Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

A grassroots movement’s “economic blackout” calls on consumers nationwide to avoid shopping at major retailers Friday in protest of corporate greed.

Why it matters: The 24-hour boycott, organized by The People’s Union USA, asks consumers to not spend in stores or shop online to “disrupt the economy for one day.”

The big picture: The blackout calls on consumers to avoid all unnecessary purchases, either in-person or online, from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday.

• “No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy,” The People’s Union USA website reads. “Nowhere!”

How it works: The initiative also urges participants not to spend money on fast food, on gas or at major retailers and to not use credit or debit cards for “non essential spending.”

Who is blackout organizer The People’s Union USA?

Zoom in: The People’s Union USA calls itself a “grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform.”

• The movement was founded by John Schwarz, who describes his movement as raising awareness about the ways the “system is rigged” against everyday Americans.
• The group says it has no political affiliation but is rather focused on uniting Americans against corporate greed.

What they’re saying: “Hold the line. If you go outside and see people shopping, do not be discouraged,” Schwarz said in an Instagram video posted Thursday.

• “If you see stores are open and busy, and business as usual, do not be shaken.”

Why is the boycott on Feb. 28?

State of play: The People’s Union USA says on its website that “February 28 is a symbolic start to economic resistance, a day where we show corporations and politicians that we control the economy.”

• “The date itself is not tied to any historical event, it is the beginning of something bigger,” the organization says. “The first domino that will set off a chain of actions until the people get what they deserve.”

Will people shop during economic blackout?

Follow the money: GlobalData managing director Neil Saunders told Axios that “in the scheme of all the spending that goes on in the U.S. economy it’s unlikely that it will create a huge hole.”

• “The boycott has gained ground in terms of attention but translating it into action will be another matter,” Saunders said. “My view is that most people will simply ignore it either on the grounds that they don’t agree with its aims or that they see it as somewhat futile or irrelevant.”
• Saunders expects people who participate in the boycott day “will resume spending and some will buy things that they deferred from being on the 28th.”

Between the lines: The blackout makes an exception for buying “essentials of absolutely necessary” — like medicine, food or emergency supplies — but urges consumers to make those purchases at small, local businesses.

More economic blackouts planned

What’s next: The People’s Union USA said it has other targeted economic actions planned for after the first blackout.

• The group lists weeklong blackouts against Amazon and Walmart as well as brands Nestlé and General Mills.
• It also has its second 24-hour economic blackout planned for March 28 and a third planned for April 18, the Friday before Easter.

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