In today's economy, consumer spending influences the businesses supported and the values they reflect.

On February 28, the Nationwide Economic Blackout encourages Americans to pause their purchases for 24 hours.

This movement aims to raise awareness and spark discussion about certain corporate practices.

Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, a morning coffee run, or even filling up at the gas station, participants are pledging to hold off on spending to make a statement.

But what exactly is this protest about, and which businesses are at the center of it?

Shoppers prepare for the Nationwide Economic Blackout on February 28, aiming to make a statement with a 24-hour spending pause. Image Source: Pexels / SHVETS production.

The purpose behind the pause​

The economic blackout is more than just a pause on shopping; it aims to use consumer spending as a tool for expressing concerns. The movement targets major retailers that have adjusted their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, following changes in federal programs that previously supported corporate DEI efforts.

Supporters of the blackout view the temporary halt in spending as a way to raise awareness and encourage companies to address these issues.

The impact of inaction​

While the movement encourages avoiding all unnecessary spending, certain well-known retailers are being specifically called out.

This includes major names like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. But it doesn’t stop there—supporters are also urged to skip fast food restaurants and even delay purchasing gas for the day.

The group leading the effort, The People’s Union USA, emphasizes that the goal isn’t just a one-day event—it’s about shifting long-term spending habits.

They encourage participants to support small, local businesses instead, reinforcing the idea that where you spend your money matters.

Amazon is among the major retailers in focus during the Nationwide Economic Blackout, as the movement highlights concerns about corporate diversity policies. Unsplash / Yender Gonzalez.

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Also read: Shopper's shocking protest against Dollar General leaves $150 cart abandoned—here's why​

The voices of the movement​

Experts have weighed in on the potential effects of this economic blackout. Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, explains that while one-day protests like this have happened before, their influence has grown over the years.

He notes that while a single event may not make a huge financial dent in major corporations, repeated and sustained actions could lead to more lasting changes.

Kevin Thompson, finance expert and founder of 9i Capital Group, shares a similar view.

While the immediate impact may seem small, he highlights the power of collective action in shaping consumer behavior and corporate policies in the long run.

Source: YouTube / 13News Now.​

The true impact of the February 28 economic blackout will depend on how widely it’s adopted and whether it sparks larger shifts in spending habits. If enough people participate, it could influence not just the targeted companies but the broader retail landscape as well.

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Key Takeaways

• Americans are organizing a 24-hour nationwide economic blackout on February 28 as a boycott against major retailers that have reduced their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
• The boycott targets major corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, urging participants to refrain from buying non-essential items and to support small local businesses instead.
• The initiative is a response to policy changes under President Donald Trump's administration, which scaled back federal DEI initiatives and threatened to withhold funds from non-compliant companies.
• Financial experts believe that while the immediate impact on the targeted companies may be minimal, the movement's message and potential for long-term consumer behavior change are significant.

As this day of economic reflection approaches, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Will you be taking part in the blackout? Do you think consumer action like this can drive real change? How do you feel about using spending habits as a form of protest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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[Jb2025]

Absolutely not.
is more Important to hire and promote those who are good at their job- whatever the color of their skin or sex.

 

[beckmeister]

As for me I plan to spend in the above businesses! DEI stuff has ruined the job market, ruined our day to day social structure like having to guess the pronoun of the day and race preference hirings.... DEI has to go! We want a color blind society!!

 

[KJS]

Many of us just feel powerless about what is going on with the current administration, so doing something, anything, feels like something. So I won’t be spending a dime on the 28th unless it’s a Costco run.

 

[Jb2025]

Many of us just feel powerless about what is going on with the current administration, so doing something, anything, feels like something. So I won’t be spending a dime on the 28th unless it’s a Costco run.

Too bad you can’t see all the good. We have a 37 trillion deficit which is only growing.
the current administration is taking a look at unwise spending and eliminating waste.
if the deficit continues to explode, our country will go bankrup And there won’t be any money for our seniors, social security or Medicare.
‘our border is quickly becoming secure. Why would anyone want unvetted illegals immigrants flooding our country? Legal immigration is a good thing.

 

[KJS]

Too bad you can’t see all the good. We have a 37 trillion deficit which is only growing.
the current administration is taking a look at unwise spending and eliminating waste.
if the deficit continues to explode, our country will go bankrup And there won’t be any money for our seniors, social security or Medicare.
‘our border is quickly becoming secure. Why would anyone want unvetted illegals immigrants flooding our country? Legal immigration is a good thing.

The government accumulated $7.8 trillion of gross federal debt while President Trump was in office the first time so I’m expecting more of the same. I liked when the Republican Party was the party of fiscal responsibility. MAGA is not that.

 

[Jb2025]

The government accumulated $7.8 trillion of gross federal debt while President Trump was in office the first time so I’m expecting more of the same. I liked when the Republican Party was the party of fiscal responsibility. MAGA is not that.

As you may or may not remember much of that was spent on Covid.
Covid was responsible for work stoppage, government hand outs (with the speed the monies ) were handed out poor oversight and fraud was way too present.

 

[SonyaD]

I will definitely be purchasing on this day, for sure.

 

[Fnpmaf]

Corporations have been gouging consumers for years. It’s time to recognize that we need to encourage fairness. I fully support a blackout and shopping at local businesses. In fact, I believe there’s another blackout that will last a week starting March 15.
In response to those who talked about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to these initiatives, women and African-Americansin particular were often treated poorly and unequally in a white man’s world. In states with poor economic situations and lower educational standards it was exceedingly difficult for all cultures to achieve what people in more economically stable states could achieve. I believe we all have had the experience of the “Peter principal”. Where people are hired because of favor or family connections. I agree with the idea of merit, but we should all be starting from the same starting line.
And finally, let’s not forget those with other abilities, who now have to struggle without concessions to help them to work in a productive manner.

 

[Veronica E.]

Absolutely not.
is more Important to hire and promote those who are good at their job- whatever the color of their skin or sex.

I hear you, Jb2025! At the end of the day, I think most people just want hiring and promotions to be fair and based on who’s best for the job. DEI at its core is about making sure everyone has a fair shot. Definitely a topic with a lot of perspectives!

 

[Veronica E.]

As for me I plan to spend in the above businesses! DEI stuff has ruined the job market, ruined our day to day social structure like having to guess the pronoun of the day and race preference hirings.... DEI has to go! We want a color blind society!!

I see where you're coming from, beckmeister! A lot of people feel DEI has changed the workplace in ways they don’t agree with, while others think it’s necessary for fairness. What do you think would be the best way to create a truly "color-blind" society?

 

[Veronica E.]

Many of us just feel powerless about what is going on with the current administration, so doing something, anything, feels like something. So I won’t be spending a dime on the 28th unless it’s a Costco run.

A lot of people are feeling frustrated and just want to take some kind of action. Do you think something like this will make an impact, or is it more about sending a message?

 

[Veronica E.]

I will definitely be purchasing on this day, for sure.

Thanks for sharing your plans, SonyaD! What’s motivating you to make purchases on that day? Are you supporting certain retailers or just buying what you need?

 

[Veronica E.]

Corporations have been gouging consumers for years. It’s time to recognize that we need to encourage fairness. I fully support a blackout and shopping at local businesses. In fact, I believe there’s another blackout that will last a week starting March 15.
In response to those who talked about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to these initiatives, women and African-Americansin particular were often treated poorly and unequally in a white man’s world. In states with poor economic situations and lower educational standards it was exceedingly difficult for all cultures to achieve what people in more economically stable states could achieve. I believe we all have had the experience of the “Peter principal”. Where people are hired because of favor or family connections. I agree with the idea of merit, but we should all be starting from the same starting line.
And finally, let’s not forget those with other abilities, who now have to struggle without concessions to help them to work in a productive manner.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Fnpmaf! What kind of impact do you think these blackouts will have on corporations, and how do you think we can ensure a level playing field for all, especially for those with different abilities?

 

[Jb2025]

The government accumulated $7.8 trillion of gross federal debt while President Trump was in office the first time so I’m expecting more of the same. I liked when the Republican Party was the party of fiscal responsibility. MAGA is not that.

True but as you recall Covid a pandemic hit the world. People were forced to stay home.
By the time Biden came along , there was a vaccine, that we were told was 90% effective.