Economic blackout is currently underway: is Target, Walmart open?
The planned 24-hour economic blackout is currently underway.
Here's everything you need to know about today's daylong economic blackout, including if your favorite stores will close in response.
What is the consumer economic blackout about?
The People's Union USA and its founder, John Schwarz, said today's 24-hour economic blackout is a response to what organizers call an era of corporate greed and shady politics.
"Mega corporations have driven up prices, underpaid their workers, and outsourced jobs while raking in record profits. Banks and financial institutions have trapped generations in debt, inflating interest rates and making homeownership nearly impossible," read The People's Union USA website. "Politicians 'both left and right' have accepted corporate bribes, passed laws that serve billionaires, and ignored the needs of the people they claim to represent.
"The system has been designed to keep us powerless, but that ends now."
When is the 24-hour economic blackout?
The People's Union USA notes the 24-hour economic blackout is to run all of Friday ending at 11:59 p.m.
The 24-hour economic blackout has blown up on social media, particularly on the X platform, with many reposting information about the movement.
"Reminder: This Friday February 28, we fight back. Buy nothing for 24 hours, and stay home," read a post from X user @FriendEden100. "It’s called an #EconomicBlackout. Our economy needs the middle class to buy things. Our economy needs us to buy things all day long.
" An economic blackout will show that we have the power."
Can I spend money during the 24-hour economic blackout?
The People's Unions USA suggests that participants do not make any purchase, either in person or online for 24 hours.
The People's Union USA also advises consumers to not spend money on fast food and gas, and to not spend money at any major retailer. Organizers also suggests only buying necessary essentials from small and local businesses.
Will Target, Walmart be open during the 24-hour economic blackout?
Big-box retailers such as Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, Walmart will be open as usual during the 24-hour economic blackout. Gas stations, banks and other service-providing institutions will remain open as well.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.