What is the Consumer Blackout on Feb 28? Will you be able to buy goods from Amazon, Walmart, Target & others?

A growing movement of consumers is preparing for a 24-hour economic blackout on Friday, February 28, urging people across the United States to refrain from spending for an entire day.

The initiative, organized as a protest against corporate greed and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, has gained traction amid rising frustration with major corporations and recent policy changes under Donald Trump’s administration.

What Is the Feb 28 Economic Blackout?

The economic blackout calls for a nationwide halt in consumer spending for one day, with participants encouraged to avoid all purchases unless absolutely necessary.


If spending is unavoidable, organizers urge consumers to support local businesses instead of major corporations.

The movement is spearheaded by activist John Schwarz, known online as "TheOneCalledJai."

Schwarz, who founded The People's Union, describes the protest as a response to growing dissatisfaction with corporate practices, economic disparities, and social injustices.

“This is a bold action, but the time is right,” Schwarz previously told USA TODAY.

“People are frustrated, and they want a way to push back.”

Larger Boycott Efforts on the Horizon

The Feb. 28 economic blackout is just the first in a series of planned boycotts targeting major corporations.

Schwarz’s group has outlined additional actions, including:

• Amazon boycott (March 7-14)
• Nestlé boycott (March 21-28)
• Walmart boycott (April 7-14)
• A second one-day economic blackout (April 18)

These actions are aimed at pressuring companies that have reduced their DEI commitments or engaged in practices perceived as exploitative.

Do Consumer Boycotts Work?

Boycotts have historically been a powerful tool for influencing corporate behavior, though their success varies. Experts note that for a boycott to be effective, it must have clear demands, sustained participation, and significant public visibility.

In recent years, conservative activists have leveraged boycotts to push companies away from DEI initiatives, leading some retailers to scale back their commitments.

Conversely, civil rights advocates argue that consumers must use their purchasing power to support businesses aligned with their values.

“Boycotts can be effective in shaming a company into action,” said a marketing professor interviewed by USA TODAY.

“But without a clear goal, they may not lead to lasting change.”

Other Consumer-Led Boycotts

The Feb. 28 economic blackout is part of a broader trend of consumer activism. Among other initiatives:

• Ongoing Target boycott (since Feb. 1): Civil rights activists in Minneapolis launched a national boycott of Target over its rollback of DEI programs.
• Leslie Jones’ year-long boycott: The comedian and activist has urged consumers to buy from Black-owned businesses and avoid Amazon, Target, and Walmart at specific times throughout 2025.
• Faith-based boycott of Target (March 5 - April 14): A coalition of religious groups has organized a 40-day fast and spending freeze targeting Target. A dedicated website, www.targetfast.org, has been launched to provide details.
• Latino-led #LatinoFreeze movement: Encourages consumers to hold their money in response to federal funding cuts for DEI initiatives and immigration policies.
• Rev. Al Sharpton’s "buy-cott": The National Action Network has mobilized consumers to support Costco, whose board voted to retain its DEI commitments.

Sharpton’s group has also announced plans for a 90-day strategic boycott against two corporations that have dropped DEI initiatives, though details remain undisclosed.

FAQs

Why are people boycotting stores on Feb 28?

It is one of several planned boycotts by consumer groups and activists protesting corporate greed, companies scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and President Donald Trump's actions to dismantle federal DEI programs since taking office.

Why consumer boycotts don't work?

"The average boycott rarely affects sales revenue significantly," largely due to consumers' ingrained purchasing habits.