Spokane business owners emphasize your purchasing power during national economic blackout

SPOKANE, Wash. — Many Americans across the country protested against large corporations and politicians with a day of no spending on Friday.

The economic blackout day started at 12:01 a.m. Friday and will go through midnight. Economists say it is hard to tell what kind of impact this boycott will have, but the attention it received could have a real effect.

In downtown Spokane, Friday was an opportunity for local businesses to unite and remind you how much power you have.

“Having a little chat, being able to walk around and look at beautiful things from around the world. You really do not get that type of connection if you’re just clicking a button and ordering something on Amazon,” said Jillian Joseph, the owner of Kizuri.

Kizuri is a fair trade store in downtown Spokane. For Joseph, Friday was a representation of the purchasing power we all have by abstaining from spending money at big corporations and instead support small businesses that align with their values.

Jupiter’s Eye Book Cafe owner Morgan Lynch said while she realizes not everyone will participate in the economic blackout, the hope is that it acts as a reminder that it is the people who decide where the money goes.

“This is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we do have that control and that we do have the opportunity to really shift the tide towards the future that we want,” Lynch said.

Both businesses acknowledged that 24 hours might not be what makes a big difference, but that it could be a start.

“One day might not necessarily make a huge dent in a corporation’s bottom line, but it does send a message,” said Joseph.

Boycotts have been long used for influencing companies. Economists say while they might not have a big impact on revenue, they can impact a company’s behavior.

The grassroots organization that put on this national boycott has several others planned through the month of March.