Last week, a grassroots movement called for a one-day economic boycott on February 28. This week, the People’s Union USA is ramping things up. They are urging people to avoid shopping at Amazon for an entire week, starting today, March 7. But will this boycott really impact Amazon?
John Schwarz, the founder of the People’s Union USA, describes this boycott as more than just a simple protest. He refers to it as a “calculated strike,” aiming to send a strong message about corporate greed. In his words, “Any type of drop in sales would be a success to us.” Through social media, Schwarz has highlighted Amazon’s effects on small businesses, its treatment of workers, and its significant profits.
The initial call for action on February 28 encouraged consumers to support small businesses instead of major corporations. This message gained traction on social media, with celebrities like John Leguizamo and Bette Midler voicing their support.
Importantly, the People’s Union USA claims to be non-political, stating, “We are a movement of people, organizing to take back control of our economy, government, and future.”
So, what does avoiding Amazon look like? It’s not just about skipping Amazon.com. Schwarz encourages participants to steer clear of Prime Video, Whole Foods, Zappos, Twitch, Alexa, Audible, Ring, and even IMDb—most of which are owned by Amazon. For many, this means unplugging devices like Alexa and avoiding Amazon’s entertainment services.
This boycott has a David and Goliath feel, given Amazon’s massive sales figures—net sales reached $638 billion in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. With such a vast customer base, including hundreds of millions globally, will this boycott have any real impact?
Data from Momentum Commerce shows that during the one-day boycott on February 28, Amazon’s sales actually increased by 1%. This trend makes sense, as Amazon generates over $1 billion in sales daily, making it remarkably resilient to short-term boycotts. The company will be tracking sales through this week to see if the same pattern holds true.
This Amazon boycott is just the start. The People’s Union USA has outlined plans for future boycotts against other companies, including:
- Nestlé from March 21-28
- Walmart from April 7-13
- A broad boycott the weekend of April 18
- General Mills from April 21-27
Meanwhile, activist Jamal Bryant is promoting a 40-day boycott of Target to protest their changes to diversity and inclusion policies. Boycotts serve as a platform for consumers to express their concerns and align their spending with their values. While they may not significantly impact a giant like Amazon, such movements can spark important discussions about consumer choices and where people prefer to put their money.
Check out this related article: “Is Nvidia’s 27% Drop a Buying Opportunity? Here’s What History Reveals About the Next Steps” | The Motley Fool
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