What is today's shopping boycott all about? 7 things to know

Heading to the store today? You may find plenty of parking, or maybe not.

It all depends on how many people plan to participate in the  24-hour economic blackout scheduled to take place today, Feb. 28.

It's one of several boycotts planned to protest what activists call corporate greed, companies that have rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate federal DEI programs since taking office.

Here's what to know.

Groups of consumers or activists are encouraging consumers to not spend any money anywhere for one day, Friday, Feb. 28.

If they have to spend, they are encouraged to buy from a local business. 

The organizer of the boycott is called TheOneCalledJai on Instagram; his real name is John Schwarz.

He told USA TODAY he started the “bold” idea because the time was right and people are frustrated with what he calls corporate greed and other frustrations.  

The one-day action has since been expanded by The People's Union, the organization Schwarz started.

"As our first initial act, we turn it off," The People's Union USA said on its website. "For one day we show them who really holds the power."

The group said "Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message.

"If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)."

The People's Union is asking people to:

• Not make any purchases
• Not shop online, or in stores
• Stay away from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
• Not shop at major retailers

Do not spend money on:

• Fast food
• Gas
• And do not use credit or debit cards for nonessential spending

More boycotts of various companies and retailers are planned, including:

• Amazon, March 7-14
• Nestle, March 21-28
• Walmart, April 7-14
• Broader one-day economic blackout on April 18

The People's Union said its mission is to "take back control of our economy, government and future of our country.  

"If you believe in taking back power, breaking free from economic control, and building a future where the people ”not corporations” decide the direction of this country, then join us today."

Based on collected state sales tax, it was estimated Florida retailers would make $666 billion in sales in 2024, according to retail statistics from CapitolOneShopping.

According to census.gov, retail sales in Florida for October 2024, the latest figure available, increased 3.6% from the same period a year ago. The national average was 3.7%.

In July 2024, retail trade earnings in Florida were $66.3 million, according to the Federal Reserve. That's a record high.

U.S. retail sales totaled $8.29 trillion in 2023 and were projected to surpass $10.3 trillion by 2030, according to retail statistics from CapitolOneShopping.

U.S. brick-and-mortar retail stores sold $7.05 trillion in merchandise in 2023, CapitolOneShopping posted on its website. America’s largest retailer is Walmart, with  $533.96 billion in domestic sales in 2023.

"The average American consumer spends $21,127 on retail over 12 months," CapitolOneShopping said.

Conservative activists have successfully rallied in recent years to force retailers and companies to rein in their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by staging boycotts to hurt sales.

Professors have told USA TODAY that boycotts can be successful in shaming a company into reversing decisions or taking action, but they don't always work. There needs to be clear actions outlined, they say. But consumers do like being able to take action against something they feel strongly about.