Feb 28 is economic blackout day

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Two thoughts. Or maybe three: -The spending shutdown is actually the opposite of “arbitrary”. I’m happy to say more about that if you’d like.

- Trump and his crew are already cutting staff at FDIC. The combination of DOGE’s impulsive “break things” approach and Project 2025 make it a risky time to both save and invest — at least in the US, unless you really know what you’re doing, and I don’t. I do understand what you’re saying in terms of priorities, but I’m concerned about the future stability of our economy, and the impact that will have on saving and investments for those of us who can’t afford much risk.

- I definitely hear you on Barnes & Nobles and the coffee shops. I have a few favorite stores in NYC, and really like the Baltimore Power Plant store. I also, remember, though, when Barnes & Nobles deliberately moved into neighborhoods that had long supported smaller independent booksellers. B & N cut their prices. The smaller stores closed. Then they raised the prices again on most of the stock. If I’m going to pay full price —or close to it — I’d rather do my bit for Politics & Prose and Second Story Books.

PP, I do appreciate your suggestions. If my comments seem wrong-headed, I’m happy to entertain other perspectives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Who reads books anymore? Like physical books? And if I did buy a physical book I’m buying it on Amazon because it’s at least 30-40 percent cheaper than the list price at BN.

If BN wants to compete, lower the prices. I’ll use my kindle - we don’t need anymore waste and storing books? Who has room for that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

thriftbooks isn't owned by Amazon (yet)

https://www.thriftbooks.com/

Thanks for this suggestion! I’ve purchased books from thriftbooks before through Amazon — but now will make an effort to purchase directly from their own site.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Who reads books anymore? Like physical books? And if I did buy a physical book I’m buying it on Amazon because it’s at least 30-40 percent cheaper than the list price at BN.

If BN wants to compete, lower the prices. I’ll use my kindle - we don’t need anymore waste and storing books? Who has room for that?

Lots of us. 📚

[Anonymous]

Looks like these boycotts are not necessary. Between tariffs and the crashing economy, everyone will be forced to pinch their pennies going forward.

Thanks, MAGA!

[Anonymous]

Yes, democrats, please KO The Washington "Democracy Dies in Darkness" Post and Target!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looks like these boycotts are not necessary. Between tariffs and the crashing economy, everyone will be forced to pinch their pennies going forward.

Thanks, MAGA!

True. But even pennies will get spent somewhere. I prefer to spend mine thoughtfully.
If you don’t think that’s “necessary “ then you do you.

[Anonymous]

Target is definitely hurting. My teen DD hasn't gotten more than 12 hours there the last 4 weeks combined. Corporate has made them cut payroll each of the 4 weeks because they weren't hitting their daily numbers. Overnight stockers at this store were also cut - the 10PM-3AM shift was cut and also the 2AM-10AM shift was reduced to 4AM or 5AM to 10AM depending on the stock incoming. Some were even canceled all together and daytime employees have to stock, which is something Target has tried to avoid in the past because it reduces the aesthetic of a higher-end box store, according to what DD learned in her onboarding.

She is looking for another job but she's hearing from friends who work retail that they are also having shifts cut due to low sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Target is definitely hurting. My teen DD hasn't gotten more than 12 hours there the last 4 weeks combined. Corporate has made them cut payroll each of the 4 weeks because they weren't hitting their daily numbers. Overnight stockers at this store were also cut - the 10PM-3AM shift was cut and also the 2AM-10AM shift was reduced to 4AM or 5AM to 10AM depending on the stock incoming. Some were even canceled all together and daytime employees have to stock, which is something Target has tried to avoid in the past because it reduces the aesthetic of a higher-end box store, according to what DD learned in her onboarding.

She is looking for another job but she's hearing from friends who work retail that they are also having shifts cut due to low sales.

Was it like this pre-inauguration or just since DEI protests?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Who reads books anymore? Like physical books? And if I did buy a physical book I’m buying it on Amazon because it’s at least 30-40 percent cheaper than the list price at BN.

If BN wants to compete, lower the prices. I’ll use my kindle - we don’t need anymore waste and storing books? Who has room for that?

Yeah, listen, in this economy, I'm not paying more just to be part of a performative boycott.

DH is a fed and could get RIFd at any moment. Do I think Amazon and Bezos is a POS? Absolutely, but that POS has the cheapest prices on 99% of goods sold. Do I respect Target for eliminating their DEI practices? Not at all, but the 5% savings I get with my Red Card is a lot with some products. For example, my extremely picky kid loves the Duke's Hot & Spicy beef sticks. Those are $7.79 at Walmart, $8.49 at Safeway, $8.99 at Food Lion, and $5.79 at Target plus my additional 5% off. The Target Pharmacy also has my T1D son's insulin for the chepeast at $32/month supply.

I would love to be in a financial position where paying more to not support a certain store was possible, but I'm not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Who reads books anymore? Like physical books? And if I did buy a physical book I’m buying it on Amazon because it’s at least 30-40 percent cheaper than the list price at BN.

If BN wants to compete, lower the prices. I’ll use my kindle - we don’t need anymore waste and storing books? Who has room for that?

Yeah, listen, in this economy, I'm not paying more just to be part of a performative boycott.

DH is a fed and could get RIFd at any moment. Do I think Amazon and Bezos is a POS? Absolutely, but that POS has the cheapest prices on 99% of goods sold. Do I respect Target for eliminating their DEI practices? Not at all, but the 5% savings I get with my Red Card is a lot with some products. For example, my extremely picky kid loves the Duke's Hot & Spicy beef sticks. Those are $7.79 at Walmart, $8.49 at Safeway, $8.99 at Food Lion, and $5.79 at Target plus my additional 5% off. The Target Pharmacy also has my T1D son's insulin for the chepeast at $32/month supply.

I would love to be in a financial position where paying more to not support a certain store was possible, but I'm not.

You voted for Trump.

Everything you say is suspect. But certainly people should only so what they can. Don't worry no one wants to take your kid's beef sticks away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Who reads books anymore? Like physical books? And if I did buy a physical book I’m buying it on Amazon because it’s at least 30-40 percent cheaper than the list price at BN.

If BN wants to compete, lower the prices. I’ll use my kindle - we don’t need anymore waste and storing books? Who has room for that?

Lots of us. 📚

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Two thoughts. Or maybe three: -The spending shutdown is actually the opposite of “arbitrary”. I’m happy to say more about that if you’d like.

- Trump and his crew are already cutting staff at FDIC. The combination of DOGE’s impulsive “break things” approach and Project 2025 make it a risky time to both save and invest — at least in the US, unless you really know what you’re doing, and I don’t. I do understand what you’re saying in terms of priorities, but I’m concerned about the future stability of our economy, and the impact that will have on saving and investments for those of us who can’t afford much risk.

- I definitely hear you on Barnes & Nobles and the coffee shops. I have a few favorite stores in NYC, and really like the Baltimore Power Plant store. I also, remember, though, when Barnes & Nobles deliberately moved into neighborhoods that had long supported smaller independent booksellers. B & N cut their prices. The smaller stores closed. Then they raised the prices again on most of the stock. If I’m going to pay full price —or close to it — I’d rather do my bit for Politics & Prose and Second Story Books.

PP, I do appreciate your suggestions. If my comments seem wrong-headed, I’m happy to entertain other perspectives.

I like Starbucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Who reads books anymore? Like physical books? And if I did buy a physical book I’m buying it on Amazon because it’s at least 30-40 percent cheaper than the list price at BN.

If BN wants to compete, lower the prices. I’ll use my kindle - we don’t need anymore waste and storing books? Who has room for that?

Yeah, listen, in this economy, I'm not paying more just to be part of a performative boycott.

DH is a fed and could get RIFd at any moment. Do I think Amazon and Bezos is a POS? Absolutely, but that POS has the cheapest prices on 99% of goods sold. Do I respect Target for eliminating their DEI practices? Not at all, but the 5% savings I get with my Red Card is a lot with some products. For example, my extremely picky kid loves the Duke's Hot & Spicy beef sticks. Those are $7.79 at Walmart, $8.49 at Safeway, $8.99 at Food Lion, and $5.79 at Target plus my additional 5% off. The Target Pharmacy also has my T1D son's insulin for the chepeast at $32/month supply.

I would love to be in a financial position where paying more to not support a certain store was possible, but I'm not.

Yikes. Two problematic kids.

[Anonymous]

FWIW....Amazon Defies ‘Economic Blackout’ As Sales Climb During Boycott

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kirimasters/2025/03/02/amazon-defies-economic-blackout-as-sales-climb-during-boycott/