Article

1 Aug 2002

Small Businesses Fight Abuse of Eminent Domain

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

Denver’s Asian stores are not alone in facing condemnation for a national chain. In a growing number of court cases around the country, small business owners are challenging attempts by local and state governments to seize their property for chain store development. Traditionally, eminent domain—the power of government to take private property for public use, provided that the owner receive market value—has been used for schools, roads, and other public infrastructure. … Read More

1 Aug 2002

Wal-Mart Decision Challenged in New Orleans

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

Opponents of a massive Wal-Mart supercenter approved by the New Orleans City Council in April are fighting the so-called "done deal" on several fronts. A coalition of organizations has filed two lawsuits challenging the decision. The plaintiffs include Smart Growth for Louisiana, the Coliseum Square Association, the Louisiana Landmarks Society, the Historic Magazine Row Association, and the Urban Conservancy. … Read More

1 Aug 2002

At Borders, Mega Publishers Get the Keys to the Kingdom

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

Leading publishers will be involved in determining which books are carried at Borders Books stores under a new "category management" plan being phased in this year. Under the plan, Borders is assigning each of 250 book categories—ranging from thrillers to romance novels—to one of the top publishers in that category. Borders will provide this "category captain" with detailed sales data for all titles in the category, including those of competitors. … Read More

1 Aug 2002

Mexico Investigates Wal-Mart For Antitrust Violations

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

In late May, Mexico’s antitrust agency, the Federal Competition Commission, opened an investigation into Wal-Mart for "monopolistic practices." The action was prompted by charges that Wal-Mart has abused its market power by pressuring suppliers to sell goods below cost or at prices substantially lower than those available to other retailers (even after accounting for reasonable volume discounts).… Read More

1 Aug 2002

Video Store Lawsuit Dismissed

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

A federal judge has dismissed all charges in the antitrust case brought by three independent video rental businesses against Blockbuster Video and several major Hollywood studios. The defendants were charged with price discrimination and conspiracy to prevent independent stores from gaining access to the same revenue-sharing deals available to Blockbuster.… Read More

1 Aug 2002

Newspapers Suffer When Local Stores Close

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

Local newspapers suffer a double blow when giant chains like Home Depot or Wal-Mart come to town. Not only do these companies rarely advertise in local newspapers, but they usually force dozens of independent retailers to close, eliminating significant sources of newspaper ad revenue. In a recent article in Editor & Publisher, Mark Fitzgerald describes the deadly impact that the rise of corporate chains and decline of locally owned businesses has had on local newspapers.… Read More

1 Aug 2002

Big Box Sprawl Causes Sharp Rise in Police Costs

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

Many city officials welcome large chain retailers for the tax revenue that create. Rarely do they consider the other side of the balance sheet: the tax losses that occur when chains displace local stores and the added costs of providing roads, sewers, police, fire, and other public services to the sprawling new development.

Added police costs are proving especially difficult for many communities that once welcomed big box stores. Take Port Richey, Florida, for example. … Read More

1 Aug 2002

“Independents Week” Celebrated in Tampa

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

Posters declaring "Celebrate Independents Week!" greeted customers of local stores in Tampa, Florida, during the week of July 4th. "As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we invite you to join us in celebrating our great local independents," the posters read.

Independents Week was conceived by Carla Jimenez, co-owner of Inkwood Books. For several years, Inkwood has used Independence Day as an opportunity to remind customers of the importance of locally owned businesses to the community.… Read More

1 Aug 2002

Community Hero Card Promotes Local Businesses and Volunteering

by Stacy Mitchell | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0

A new program in Minneapolis rewards residents for supporting locally owned businesses and volunteering at local nonprofits. Developed by CHC Data Inc., the new Community HeroCard enables residents to earn rebates by shopping at more than 40 local stores. The rebate doubles if the cardholder volunteers at a nonprofit organization. The card looks like a credit card with a magnetic data strip that works in a standard debit card machine. … Read More