SAN FRANCISCO, California – In a move to combat corporate greed, the People’s Union USA has expanded its boycott efforts beyond just one day, now calling for a weeklong boycott of online retail giant Amazon. The boycott, which began on March 7, aims to send a powerful message to Amazon regarding its impact on small businesses, treatment of workers, and record profits.
According to People’s Union USA founder John Schwarz, the weeklong avoidance of Amazon is not just a mere boycott, but a calculated strike to force change within the company. Schwarz emphasized that any drop in sales during the boycott would be considered a success by the organization.
The call for the Amazon boycott follows a successful 24-hour economic boycott aimed at big corporations on February 28. During that boycott, supporters were encouraged to shop at small businesses instead of supporting major corporations like Amazon. The movement gained traction on social media, with celebrities like John Leguizamo, Bette Midler, and Mark Ruffalo endorsing the cause.
Schwarz’s vision for the extended boycott includes avoiding not only Amazon’s main website but also its subsidiaries like Prime Video, Whole Foods, Zappos, Twitch, Alexa, Audible, Ring, and IMDb. The goal is to highlight the wide-reaching influence of Amazon and encourage consumers to rethink their shopping habits.
Despite Amazon’s massive net sales of $638 billion in 2024 and a customer base of hundreds of millions worldwide, the People’s Union USA remains undeterred in its efforts to hold the company accountable. Although the impact of the one-day boycott on Amazon sales was minimal, the organization hopes that a longer boycott will yield more significant results.
In addition to the Amazon boycott, the People’s Union USA has announced plans for future boycotts targeting companies like Nestle, Walmart, and General Mills. These boycotts serve as a way for consumers to voice their concerns and align their spending with their values. While the economic impact on companies like Amazon may be limited, the boycotts are sparking important conversations about where consumers choose to spend their money.