Consumer advocacy groups are continuing their efforts to target some of the largest retailers in America with coordinated boycotts. The People’s Union USA, a grassroots group, is leading the efforts and is planning a total economic blackout beginning on April 18.

Why It Matters

Following the reelection of President Donald Trump, there have been waves of consumer-driven blackouts in America, and there is a growing trend of consumer activism, which targets corporations accused of corporate tax avoidance, price hikes and rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI).

Coordinated boycotts can significantly impact the reputation, revenue, and public perception of major retailers.

What To Know

In a TikTok post, the People’s Union USA Founder John Schwarz said: “This Friday, the 18th, the 19th and the 20th, we have our second economic blackout, and this is all companies, no shopping anywhere if you have to spend any money, it is only on small, locally, independently owned businesses.”

The boycott is urging Americans to withhold all spending at major retailers and online platforms and to only shop with local, independent businesses. This means that the boycott is targeting all major corporations.

Coinciding with the Easter weekend, the protest will build on earlier actions including a no-spend day which was held back in February.

On its website, People’s Union USA has a list of companies that encourage people not to engage with. This list includes:

– Amazon

– Walmart

– Nestlé

– Monsanto (now Bayer)

– Coca-Cola

– Chevron

– Nike

– Meta

– Google

– Comcast

– McDonald’s

Newsweek sought comment via email and online contact forms from the businesses listed above.

While past boycott efforts have targeted other businesses, the focus on a total economic blackout, and only shopping with small independent businesses, adds a new layer to the debate about corporate accountability and consumer power.

Schwarz previously told Newsweek that the group are “calling for real equality, across the board, without question.”

The economic blackout comes shortly after the People’s Union USA organized a 7-day boycott of Walmart.

What People Are Saying

The People’s Union USA founder John Schwarz previously told Newsweek: “We’re raising awareness not just for our organization, but for the larger truth that most Americans already feel…and that is these corporations do not pay their fair share in taxes. They exploit families, crush small businesses, and continue to profit off inequality and economic control.”

A spokesperson for Walmart previously told Newsweek: “Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart‘s purpose to help people save money and live better. As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year…”

What’s Next

The boycott begins on April 18 and will last until April 20.