The American Booksellers Association’s January 2008 Winter Institute conference featured a roundtable discussion with authors Bill McKibben, Stacy Mitchell, and Michael Shuman, who talked about the importance of rebuilding local economies.… Read More
Whether to patronize locally owned stores or chains is not at the top of the mind for many holiday shoppers. But it should be. It’s a choice that has profound implications for our economy and for our communities. … Read More
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
We assume that the chains represent economic progress, but in fact they take far more out of our economy than they contribute.… Read More
Listen to a conversation about independent business with Stacy Mitchell and bookstore owner Mitch Kaplan on Smart City Radio.
The first two maps show the density of Walmart stores by state. The third shows abandoned Walmart stores. … Read More
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
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
This lecture was delivered by Stacy Mitchell at the 26th Annual E.F. Schumacher Lectures in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.… Read More
