American consumers are campaigning for an “economic blackout” today—especially Gen Z. Across social media, posts are being shared calling for Americans not to spend money today, and only at local non-chain shops in cash if necessary. The posts have attracted hundreds of thousands of new followers to the founder of The People’s Union USA, the organizer of the economic protest. It’s hard to say whether viral attention will equal participation; but according to Numerator, Gen Z shoppers are most likely to say they’ll join the blackout, with 22% saying they would participate compared to 16% of U.S. consumers overall. YPulse data also shows that 40% of 18-24-year-olds have boycotted a brand in the past year because it didn’t support a cause they were passionate about, more than other age groups. This isn’t the last economic boycott the organization is planning—their website lists dates to stop shopping at major retailers and completely for weeks into the spring. (Washington Post, USA Today)
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