Economic Blackout: What to know about the February 28 boycott taking off on social media

You may have heard about the “Feb 28 Economic Blackout,” a movement that’s gathered momentum on social media in recent weeks.

If you’re wondering about what it is: The so-called economic blackout is a nationwide boycott set to take place on Friday, asking all Americans not to buy anything for 24 hours to combat skyrocketing prices across the nation and corporate greed.

The protests are aimed at rising prices of just about everything, from housing and gas to food (best illustrated by the staggering cost of eggs, which now average $5.57 a dozen in the Midwest and $8.85 in California, according to commodities data from Expana). The soaring prices are the result of a combination of inflation, overall higher living costs, and our sluggish economy.

Like with the recent Reddit-born “Not My President’s Day” protests against the Trump administration, the internet and social media are playing a major role in getting people to mobilize.

In this case, the protests reflect the sentiment of many social media users who are frustrated that major corporations are making huge profits while slashing DEI efforts, as many Americans are increasingly struggling just to get by. That sentiment was furthered by a recent study that found “greedflation” caused more than half of last year’s inflation surge as corporate profits remain at all-time highs, according to Fortune.

“Send a message to giant companies ripping us off,” posted one Bluesky user. “Don’t shop online, in big box stores. . . . Just one day will send a powerful message. Think they’ll miss our DEI dollars? Don’t spend. Then, let them know why.”

Here’s what to know about the blackout.

Who is behind the economic blackout?

The boycott is being sponsored by grassroots organization The People’s Union USA. According to the organization, it’s aimed at restoring “fairness, economic justice and real systemic change” through “government accountability and corporate reform,” and is not affiliated with any particular political party.

“For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice . . . that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed, the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle to just to get by,” founder John Schwarz, who is reportedly a 57-year-old dad originally from Queens, New York, wrote in an Instagram post. “February 28, the 24-hour economic blackout: no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas, not a single unnecessary dollar spent . . . for one day, we are going to finally turn the tables.”

When does the economic blackout begin?

The boycott starts Thursday, February 27 at midnight, and runs through Friday, February 28 at midnight.

What retail is included in the blackout?

The People’s Union USA website recommends people “do not shop online, or in-store, No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy.” It’s also asking people not to spend money on fast food, gas, or major retailers, or to use credit or debit cards for non-essential spending. For essential purchases like food, medicine, or emergency supplies, the organization’s website suggests buying it at a small local business rather than a major chain store.