Does the NFIB Really Represent the Interests of Independent Businesses?

Date: 3 Sep 2009 | posted in: Retail | 1 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Today, in the New York Times small business blog, Robb Mandelbaum examines the membership of the National Federation of Independent Businesses has plummeted and takes a look at how the group has lobbied for tax loopholes that boost the profits of big chains, while forcing independent businesses to pay more.   

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Neighborhood Stores: An Overlooked Strategy for Fighting Global Warming

Date: 19 Aug 2009 | posted in: Retail | 2 Facebooktwitterredditmail

So far, the public debate about cars and climate change has been dominated by fuel economy. But driving has been growing at such a rapid pace that even a big advance in fuel economy is likely to be wiped out by ever more miles on the road. This is where local stores come in.  Dozens of studies have found that people who live near small stores walk more for errands and, when they do drive, their trips are shorter. … Read More

The Corporate Co-Opt of Local

Date: 9 Jul 2009 | posted in: Retail | 7 Facebooktwitterredditmail

HSBC, one of the biggest banks on the planet, has taken to calling itself "the world’s local bank."  Starbucks is un-branding at least three of its Seattle outlets, the first of which just reopened as "15th Avenue Coffee and Tea." The International Council of Shopping Centers is pouring millions of dollars into television ads urging people to "Shop Local" — at their nearest mall.

Hoping to capitalize on growing public enthusiasm for all things local, some of the world’s biggest corporations are brashly laying claim to the word “local.”… Read More

Death of the Category Killers

Date: 23 Jun 2009 | posted in: Retail | 2 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Borders Books is on "death watch," according to one industry observer. Virgin shut down its last U.S. record store this month. Office Depot and Staples are struggling.  Circuit City is gone.  Best Buy has launched a desperate ad campaign.

While the decline of independent businesses has leveled off, the rest of the retail sector is undergoing dramatic consolidation as a small number of massive companies become ever more dominant. This is an ominous trend for manufacturers and consumers, and it exposes serious flaws in U.S. antitrust policy.  … Read More

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