Wal-Mart Depresses Wages, Study Finds
Retail workers in the U.S. are making $4.5 billion less each year due to Wal-Mart’s presence, according to a new study by the University of California’s Center for Labor Research and Education. … Read More
Give a Gift To Our Economy: Shop Locally Owned This Holiday Season
We assume that the chains represent economic progress, but in fact they take far more out of our economy than they contribute.… Read More
Stacy Mitchell & Mitch Kaplan Talk Local Bookstores on Smart City Radio
Listen to a conversation about independent business with Stacy Mitchell and bookstore owner Mitch Kaplan on Smart City Radio.
Walmart’s Store Footprint & Vacancy by State (Graphs)
The first two maps show the density of Walmart stores by state. The third shows abandoned Walmart stores. … Read More
Tesco Making Landfall on West Coast
Tesco — a British-based chain and the world’s fifth largest retailer —wants to open 100 stores in the western U.S. by early 2008 and another 400 outlets over the next few years. … Read More
Whole Foods: The Local Face of a Mega-Retailer
Interviews with 18 local suppliers—who produce everything from fresh vegetables, dairy products and meat, to prepared and processed foods—raise serious questions about Whole Foods’ commitment to promoting local food. While some farmers and vendors reported a positive experience, many have encountered corporate policies that impede, and even undermine, their success. … Read More
Declaration of Independents — Lecture
This lecture was delivered by Stacy Mitchell at the 26th Annual E.F. Schumacher Lectures in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.… Read More
Arizona Bans Tax Breaks for Retail Development
For years local business owners and their supporters in the Arizona legislature have tried to put an end to the massive subsidies that cities in the Phoenix metro routinely dole out to chain retail developers. Bills to prohibit the giveaways were introduced in session after session, only to fail. But this year, lawmakers at last endorsed a measure that outlaws subsides for retail projects in Maricopa and Pinal counties, which encompass the Phoenix metro and include two-thirds of the state’s population. … Read More
David Morris Discusses Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies on Air America
Caps on Carbon as a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy
– David Morris discusses a state-based cap and share climate proposal
that combines environmental and equity goals. A MN state task force
must offer legislative recommendations by February 2008, broadcast on
Air America radio.
… Read More