Economic Blackout Planned for today, Feb. 28: What You Need to Know

Consumers are planning a one-day economic blackout today, Feb. 28, urging people to withhold spending at major retailers and fast-food chains.

The Aim of the Blackout

The movement, spearheaded by John Schwarz, a self-described “mindfulness and meditation facilitator,” seeks to make a statement about economic power. Schwarz, known as “TheOneCalledJai” on social media, advocated for consumers to “forgo spending at Amazon, Walmart, and all other major retailers and fast-food companies for a day,” instead focusing on small businesses and essential needs.

Schwarz stated in a video to his followers, “The system has been designed to exploit us… On February 28, we are going to remind them who really holds the power. For one day, we turn it off.”

Motivations and Momentum

While Schwarz doesn’t have a background in organizing, the idea has resonated with many online. The boycott appears to have gained traction due to widespread dissatisfaction with the economy and corporate practices. The movement appeals to the desire among many to take tangible action.

Lawrence Glickman, a historian at Cornell University and author of “Buying Power: A History of Consumer Activism in America,” observes, “There’s the sense that a lot of people want to do something. Doing something in the American context has often meant using pocketbook politics…This a way of engaging in a form of collective action outside of the electoral arena that makes people feel some connection and sense of potential power.”

Potential Impact and Expert Opinions

Experts remain skeptical about the potential impact on large corporations or the broader economy.Consumer boycotts are moast effective when well-organized, focused, and have clear objectives. The current economic blackout, being relatively uncoordinated, faces challenges in making a important impact. However, the effort highlights the public’s underlying frustration and desire for economic change.

Considerations for Consumers

• Support Local Businesses: Use the day as an opportunity to explore and support small businesses in your community.
• Focus on Essentials: Limit purchases to essential needs, reflecting on consumption habits.
• Reflect on Economic Power: consider the broader implications of consumer spending and potential for collective action.

Whether or not you choose to participate in the economic blackout,today,february 28th,offers an opportunity to reflect on your consumer habits and the impact they have on the wider economy. Consider supporting your local businesses today and beyond.

Navigating Boycotts in 2025: DEI, Corporate power, and Consumer Activism

Fueled by rising costs, concerns over corporate influence, and shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, consumer boycotts are gaining traction in 2025. This trend reflects a growing sentiment among consumers who are increasingly using their purchasing power to voice their opinions and demand corporate accountability.

The Multifaceted Motivations Behind Boycotts

The reasons people are participating in boycotts are varied, reflecting a complex interplay of economic and sociopolitical factors. These include:

• Economic pressures: Consumers are grappling with “high prices and the cost of living,” leading them to seek ways to express their financial frustrations.
• Corporate Accountability: Anger is directed at “the power of large corporations and billionaires,” prompting calls for greater oversight and ethical practices.
• Political Concerns: Boycotts are being used to push back against “the Trump administration’s efforts to gut federal programs and fears about an autocracy in america.”
• DEI Rollbacks: Many are boycotting companies for “rolling back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies,” signaling a demand for inclusive business practices.CNN.com

The Rise of Organized Consumer Action

One individual, identified as Schwarz, has become a prominent voice in the boycott movement. Despite the perception that the movement originates from the political left, Schwarz’s views defy easy categorization.While supporting Bernie Sanders, Schwarz also advocates for policies such as ending federal income tax and implementing term limits in congress.

According to Schwarz, the boycott has “spread so well as people have just had enough and they’re fed up and they’re tired.”

Target: A Focal Point of DEI-Related Boycotts

Schwarz’s boycott coincides with a broader movement targeting retailers that have scaled back DEI initiatives, notably Target. The company “is under more heat than companies like Walmart, John Deere or tractor Supply because it went further in its DEI efforts, and it has a more progressive base of customers.”

Following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Target emerged as a strong advocate for DEI programs. The company cultivated a reputation as a progressive employer, particularly on LGBTQ issues. However, shortly after the start of the Trump presidency, “[target] announced it was eliminating hiring goals for minority employees, ending an executive committee focused on racial justice and making other changes to its diversity initiatives.” While stating its commitment to “creating a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities,” Target also emphasized “staying in step with the evolving external landscape.” These changes have drawn the ire of consumers and advocacy groups alike.

The Broader Context: Corporate Retreats on DEI

Target’s shift is not isolated. “Dozens of Fortune 500 companies have backtracked on their diversity programs in response to pressure from activists and right-wing legal groups, and, more recently, the Trump administration’s threats to investigate what it characterizes as “illegal DEI,” including potential criminal cases against companies.” This widespread rollback underscores the challenges companies face in navigating the complex and often conflicting demands of various stakeholders. Companies are re-evaluating their DEI efforts in light of legal challenges and shifting political priorities, leading to compromises that can alienate segments of their customer base.

The Enduring Power of the Consumer Voice

Consumer boycotts are a powerful tool for holding corporations accountable and influencing their policies. The events of 2025 demonstrate that consumers are increasingly willing to use their purchasing power to advocate for their values. Whether motivated by economic concerns, political ideologies, or a desire for greater corporate obligation, the rise of boycotts signals a new era of consumer activism. It remains to be seen if this activism will translate into enduring systemic change.

Are you considering participating in a boycott or supporting companies that align with your values? share your thoughts in the comments below.

Target Faces Boycott Calls Amid DEI Policy Changes

Minneapolis,Feb. 28,2025 – Target is currently navigating a wave of consumer backlash and boycott threats following adjustments to its Diversity,Equity,and inclusion (DEI) policies. Critics argue the changes represent a “disturbing retreat” from commitments to inclusive practices.This controversy arrives as major corporations face increasing pressure to re-evaluate their DEI initiatives.

Boycott Initiated by Black Community Leaders

The controversy has sparked significant reaction, particularly from Black consumers. rev. Jamal bryant, of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, has called for a 40-day boycott of Target, set to begin on March 5, coinciding with the start of lent. The boycott encourages participants to support Black-owned businesses during this period. The boycott’s petition states,”We have witnessed a disturbing retreat from Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by major corporations. The greatest insult comes from Target.”

Early Signs of Customer impact

Initial data suggests the backlash might be affecting Target’s store traffic. According to Placer.ai, which tracks customer visits using phone location data, Target experienced the most significant drop in customer visits over the last four weeks compared to Walmart and Costco. While Placer.ai cautioned that factors like weather and economic conditions could contribute to the slowdown, the trend is noteworthy. During the week of February 10, foot traffic to Target dropped 7.9%, while Walmart saw a decrease of 4.8%. In contrast, Costco, which has maintained its existing DEI policies, experienced a 4.8% increase in foot traffic.

Joseph Feldman, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group, noted, “The data ‘shows a clear drop in traffic in late january into mid-February following the company’s step back from DEI.'”

Ancient Context and Boycott Effectiveness

Consumer boycotts have a mixed history of success. Young Hou, a marketing professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, notes that “‘It’s very difficult to sustain anything longer than a few weeks.'” Hou explains that consumers frequently enough find it challenging to maintain boycotts due to routine and potential counter-reactions from company supporters, who may increase spending to offset the impact. The widespread nature of DEI policy rollbacks among major retailers could further dilute the potential impact of a Target-specific boycott, as consumers have fewer alternative options.

bud Light’s 2023 Backlash: A Contrasting Exmaple

One of the most impactful boycotts in recent memory occurred in 2023 when Bud Light faced significant backlash for a brief partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. A-B InBev, Bud Light’s parent company, reportedly lost as much as $1.4 billion in sales consequently.

Conclusion: Navigating Shifting Consumer Sentiments

The situation at Target highlights the complexities of navigating evolving consumer expectations around DEI. While the long-term impact of the current boycott remains uncertain, the immediate drop in foot traffic signals a need for careful consideration. does Target’s experience signal a broader shift in corporate strategy, or will the company reaffirm its commitment to DEI? Only time will tell. Stay informed and engage with your community to make educated decisions. Share your thoughts on this issue and let your voice be heard.

The Power and Limits of Consumer Boycotts: Do They Really Work?

Consumer boycotts have become increasingly prevalent, fueled by social media and a heightened awareness of corporate practices.But do these boycotts truly impact companies’ bottom lines and behavior? While they can raise awareness and pressure companies, their effectiveness in holding down market prices or causing lasting damage is often limited. Though, specific, targeted boycotts can put companies “on the defensive,” according to Cornell University’s Glickman.

When Boycotts Make a Difference

consumer actions can create significant change. Protests against Nike in the 1990s and 2000s over its use of sweatshop labor led the company to raise the minimum age for workers and allow human rights groups to inspect factories. Similarly, following the Parkland, Florida, school shooting in 2018, public pressure successfully pushed companies such as Delta and MetLife to cut ties with the National Rifle Association.

• Raising Awareness: Boycotts amplify public knowledge of issues.
• Pressuring Companies: They can force companies to reconsider policies.
• Reputational Damage: Even unsuccessful boycotts can tarnish a company’s image.

The Bud Light Boycott: A Case Study

One recent example is the Bud Light boycott, which began after the brand partnered with a transgender influencer. Entertainer Kid Rock even posted a video of himself “shooting a stack of Bud Light cases.” The brand also “angered left-leaning customers because of its conciliatory response to right-wing attacks.”

The success of the Bud Light boycott highlights a critical factor: easy substitutability.”One of the key reasons the bud Light boycott was successful was because it was very easy for customers to replace Bud Light with Coors Light or Miller Lite or another beer without much sacrifice.” This underscores that consumers are more likely to participate in boycotts when switching to alternatives is convenient.

Specificity is Key

According to Cornell University’s Glickman, “The more specific the reason to boycott, usually the more effective those boycotts have a chance of being.” This suggests that broad, unfocused boycotts are less likely to achieve their goals.

The Limits of Boycotts: Efficiency vs. Consumer Rent

A 2005 study titled “To Buy or Not to Buy? An Experimental Study of Consumer Boycotts in …” found that while boycotts are frequent in response to price increases, they are “unsuccessful in holding down market prices even if collective action problems are entirely eliminated.” Furthermore, the study concluded that “while consumer boycotts do not increase consumer rent, they reduce market efficiency.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Choose Your Battles: Focus on boycotts with clear, specific goals.
• Consider alternatives: Support companies that align with your values.
• Stay Informed: Research companies’ practices before making purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

Consumer boycotts are a powerful tool for expressing dissatisfaction and demanding change. While they may not always achieve their intended economic outcomes, they can raise awareness, pressure companies, and impact public perception.By strategically participating in targeted boycotts and supporting ethical alternatives, consumers can collectively influence corporate behavior. Are you ready to make your voice heard through your purchasing power?