According to Yahoo News, the event was initiated by People's Union USA, a grassroots advocacy organization founded by John Schwarz. They consider themselves a movement without political affiliation, aiming to fight corruption, economic manipulation and social injustice.
Many celebrities such as John Leguizamo, Stephen King and Bette Midler have spoken out in support.
The goal of the boycott
According to Schwarz, the idea is to stop all purchases from large corporations, both in-store and online, from 0:00 to 23:59 on February 28, 2025 USD. No Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas. Every single dollar is spent unnecessarily, he said.
On its website, the group called on consumers not to spend money on unnecessary items.
For essential transactions such as food, medicine or emergency supplies, Schwarz encourages buyers from a small local business rather than a large retailer.
Schwarz explained in an Instagram video that the campaign is designed to send strong messages to corporations and governments.
The messages include: The American people are Fed up with unreasonable prices, corporate greed and economic injustice. Large corporations earn billions of dollars but still continuously cut down on workers' rights and increase commodity prices without a legitimate reason. The government needs to take responsibility for the situation of prices escalating without taking control measures.
We have been convinced all our lives that we have no other choice the price should be like that, we have to accept the greed of the billionaires, the injustice of tax policies, while we have to struggle to survive. On February 28, we will turn the situation around! - Schwarz stated.
boycott targets all major retailers
Some have proposed boycotting corporations that have terminated their diversity, fairness and integration (DEIs) programs following President Donald Trump's executive order targeting DEI initiatives.
But while People's Union USA called the abandonment of DEI programs "backward and unacceptable", the February 28 boycott targeted all major retailers, regardless of their stance on DEI.
"If we disrupt the economy in just a matter of days, it will send a strong message," the organization said on its website.
What will happen after December 28:
Responding to USA Today in early February, Schwarz said he hopes to boycott businesses that are really the biggest violators in the system.
People's Union USA has planned a week-long boycott targeting specific retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart.
The first, targeting the Amazon, is set to begin on March 7.
