What to know about Friday's "economic blackout"

A grassroots movement is calling on Americans to abstain from shopping with major retailers on Friday as part of a nationwide "economic blackout."

Why it matters: The economic protest comes as many everyday Americans struggle to keep up in the current financial landscape, characterized by high housing costs, surging egg prices and stubborn inflation.

The big picture: This week's blackout is the latest, but not the first, grassroots movement against consumerism that has gained steam in the face of high costs of living.

• Earlier this year the "no buy 2025" challenge gained traction on social media for similar reasons.

State of play: An initiative by The People's Union USA, the blackout calls on consumers to avoid all unnecessary purchases, either in-person or online, from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday.

• The blackout makes an exception for essentials like medicine or emergency supplies, but urges consumers to make those purchases at local businesses.

Zoom in: Local shops, such as those at West Seattle Junction, are leaning in and urging residents to "shop small."

Between the lines: The People's Union says it has no political affiliation but is rather focused on uniting Americans against corporate greed.

Reality check: Boycott threats regularly make headlines, but their impact is usually more optical than financial, writes Axios' Ben Berkowitz.

• In fact, decades of research into boycotts suggest they often end up having a counterintuitively positive effect, as a larger, silent majority votes with their dollars by shopping instead of staying home.

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