Photo: Jay Willet/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A fabric store and sewing workshop in Cambridge is part of the nationwide economic blackout being held Friday, Feb. 28.
The blackout is protesting the major corporation's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Gather Here manager Molly David said the closing of the store is more symbolic than anything else, and they are doing it in a way that doesn't hurt their employees. "The store will be closed for shopping," she said. "But the team is still coming in, so they are not missing out on a day of pay."
The boycott is being organized by a group called The People's Union U.S.A.
The group said it is encouraging consumers to not shop at any major retailers, fast-food chains, and gas stations on Friday.
They said they hope to send a message about consumer power and corporate accountability.
Meanwhile, David agreed that while the blackout's economic impact on the U.S. economy will be minimal, it's the principle that counts. "Small dots do add up," she said. "Just as a show of power, as a show of what we can do if we all work together."
The People's Union said essential purchases such as food, medicine, and emergency supplies should be the only exceptions on Friday.
They also discourage the use of credit and debit cards except for essential items.
WBZ News Radio's Jay Willet (@JayWilletWBZ) reports.