In a groundbreaking move, a grassroots organization is urging individuals in the United States to refrain from making any purchases on Friday in an act of “economic resistance.” This initiative aims to protest the perceived negative impact of billionaires, large corporations, and mainstream political parties on the economic well-being of working Americans. The People’s Union USA, the organization spearheading this effort, has termed the planned 24-hour spending abstinence as an “economic blackout,” a concept that has sparked discussions on social media.
The activist group has announced additional plans to orchestrate weeklong consumer boycotts targeting specific companies like Walmart and Amazon. These boycotts are in response to companies retracting their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, as well as to oppose President Donald Trump’s actions to eliminate federal DEI initiatives.
Various activists, religious leaders, and consumers are also mobilizing boycotts against companies that have shown a lack of commitment to diversity and inclusion practices. Some faith-based communities are encouraging their members to avoid shopping at Target, a company that recently scaled back its DEI efforts, during the upcoming 40-day Lenten period.
Here is an overview of the upcoming events and expert opinions on the efficacy of using consumer abstinence as a tool to influence corporate behavior.
Origin of the ’24-hour Economic Blackout’:
The brainchild behind the no-spend day is the People’s Union USA, led by John Schwarz, a meditation instructor residing near Chicago. The organization, which claims to represent all individuals regardless of political affiliation, has organized the spending abstinence starting at midnight on Friday until the following midnight. Participants are urged to refrain from making purchases at major retailers, fast-food chains, and to minimize the use of credit and debit cards in emergencies.
The People’s Union is gearing up for another comprehensive economic blackout on March 28, along with targeted boycotts against major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon, as well as food conglomerates like Nestle and General Mills. In the case of Amazon, the organization is advocating for a boycott of Whole Foods, a subsidiary of the e-commerce giant.
Other Planned Boycotts:
Multiple boycotts are being organized, with a significant focus on Target. The retailer, known for its previous support of diversity and inclusion efforts, recently announced a rollback of its DEI initiatives. Labor advocacy group We Are Somebody, led by Nina Turner, initiated a boycott of Target on February 1 to coincide with Black History Month.
Bolstering this effort, the Rev. Jamal Bryant from Atlanta has launched a website, targetfast.org, to enlist Christians for a 40-day boycott of Target starting on March 5, coinciding with Ash Wednesday and the commencement of Lent. Several other religious leaders have lent their support to this protest.
Additionally, the Rev. Al Sharpton, the head of the National Action Network, has declared plans to identify and boycott two companies within the next 90 days as part of ongoing civil rights initiatives.
The organization, after abandoning their diversity, equity, and inclusion pledges, established a commission to identify potential candidates. In a statement on the National Action Network’s website, Sharpton remarked that while Donald Trump has the power to cut federal DEI programs and retract federal funds to enhance diversity initiatives, he cannot dictate where individuals choose to shop for groceries. The question arises: will these particular events have any significant impact? Experts suggest that some retailers may experience a slight strain from the recent “blackout” on Friday, especially within a challenging economic climate. Concerns over renewed inflation and the potential threat of tariffs on imported goods by Trump have already influenced consumer sentiment, affecting market dynamics. Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor at market research firm Circana, emphasized the immense competition in the market and the necessity for retailers to maintain their share of consumer spending, particularly amid the rising expenditures on food products. Despite potential challenges, Cohen believes that the impact will likely be restrained, with notable sales declines possibly seen in more liberal-leaning coastal regions and major cities. Anna Tuchman, a marketing professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, predicts that the economic blackout could temporarily impact daily retail sales but may not be sustainable in the long run. Reflecting on past boycotts, Tuchman cites instances such as Target experiencing a sales decline following negative customer feedback over a collection celebrating LGBTQ+ communities, and Goya Foods witnessing a temporary sales increase after facing boycotts due to the CEO’s support for Trump. The fluctuating nature of consumer behavior and brand loyalty is evident in the case of Bud Light, which suffered sustained sales declines after a controversial marketing move involving a transgender influencer. The aftermath of various boycotts highlights the complexities of consumer responses and the evolving landscape of brand perception. Afya Evans, a political and image consultant from Atlanta, expressed her intention to participate in the current economic blackout by supporting small businesses and Black-owned brands. Acknowledging the potential impact of collective action, Evans views this event as an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their influence on sales trends and inspire broader participation for meaningful change.
