In September, California Governor Gray Davis vetoed a bill that would have clarified state law to require that all retailers with a physical presence in the state collect sales tax on internet transactions. … Read More
As corporate chains have taken over much of the retail economy, they’ve left the American landscape littered with dead malls, vacant strip developments, out-dated outlet centers, and empty big box superstores.… Read More
Two years ago, a group of independent restaurant owners in Tucson, Arizona stopped thinking of themselves as competitors and launched a collective effort to counter the rapid expansion of chain restaurants. They formed an organization, Tucson Originals, and pooled resources for group promotion and purchasing. Their success inspired the creation of a national independent restaurant network that hopes to seed similar local alliances in cities across the country. … Read More
Local activists and business owners in Pittsburgh are fighting Mayor Tom Murphy’s plan to use eminent domain to destroy 60 buildings and condemn 125 mostly locally owned businesses. In their place, Murphy wants to build a massive retail complex, anchored by a Nordstrom department store and several dozen national chains such as The Gap, FAO Schwarz, and J Crew. … Read More
Wal-Mart wants to open 300 new "supercenters" by 2002, but the corporation’s plans may be derailed by mounting opposition in heavily unionized regions. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has joined with local business owners and neighborhood activists to stop Wal-Mart’s expansion in several western states and parts of the Upper Midwest and Northeast.… Read More
A bill to clarify California state law to ensure that all retailers with a physical presence in the state collect sales tax on internet transactions is making headway. The bill (AB 2412) passed the Assembly on a 42-32 vote in late May. It then cleared two Senate committees in June and August. It is expected to come before the full Senate in the coming weeks. Governor Gray Davis has not yet taken a position on the bill. … Read More
Companies offering franchise business opportunities in Ontario will soon have to provide prospective franchisees with key information about their operations. A new franchise disclosure measure, Bill 33, was passed by the provincial legislature in late May. It will become law once the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations drafts rules and regulations for its implementation.… Read More
The town of Mamaroneck, New York recently took steps to protect its character and environment from large-scale developments that abut, adjoin, or are adjacent to its borders. Under a zoning ordinance enacted in April, the town now requires these developments to undergo a comprehensive review and obtain a permit from the Mamaroneck Town Board. … Read More
Size restrictions keep the large stores out, but many places are grappling with the proliferation of smaller chains, like Starbucks and Blockbuster. These cookie-cutter operations often displace unique homegrown businesses and have made many cities and towns virtually indistinguishable. … Read More
