A grassroots movement is calling for Americans to pause all consumer spending for 24 hours on February 28, 2025, in what organizers have dubbed an 'economic blackout' [1].

The initiative, launched by meditation teacher John Schwarz through his organization The People's Union USA, aims to demonstrate consumer power against what he describes as corporate control and economic inequality [3].

The protest has gained significant traction on social media, with Schwarz's original video being shared over 700,000 times on Instagram and viewed 8.5 million times. Celebrities including Stephen King, Bette Midler, and Mark Ruffalo have endorsed the campaign [3].

Participants are being asked to avoid purchases at major retailers, particularly Amazon and Walmart, as well as abstain from fast food purchases and gas station visits. The organization suggests that any essential purchases should be made at small, local businesses [1].

Economic experts express skepticism about the protest's potential impact. Marshal Cohen, chief retail advisor at Circana, suggests any meaningful sales decline would likely be limited to liberal-leaning coastal regions and major cities [1].

The movement has evolved to include broader political implications, with some participants using it to protest recent corporate retreats from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The People's Union USA has announced plans for additional targeted boycotts, including a week-long Amazon boycott scheduled for March 7-14 [2].

Schwarz, who has raised approximately $70,000 through GoFundMe for his organization, describes the movement as non-partisan and focused on economic justice. The People's Union USA advocates for various policies including universal healthcare and congressional term limits [3].