Your Call: Amazon threatens small businesses and “weakens communities,” says new report

KALW – December 14, 2016

by Rose Aguilar & Laura Flynn

Why is it more important than ever to support local businesses? Amazon’s growing market power is threatening small businesses and “weakening communities,” according to a new study from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

The study’s findings conclude that Amazon is causing the number of independent merchants to decline sharply, “undermining jobs and wages,” and affecting local tax bases. What difference does it make when we support local businesses?

Guests:

Olivia LaVecchia, researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Community-Scaled Economy Initiative

Susana Morales Konishi, executive director of Oakland Grown and small business owner

Alyah Baker, owner of Show & Tell Concept Shop

Web Resources:

Oakland Grown

Buy Local Berkeley

San Francisco Local Merchants Alliance

Show & Tell Oakland

Institute for Local Self-Reliance: How Amazon’s Tightening Grip on the Economy Is Stifling Competition, Eroding Jobs, and Threatening Communities

KQED: Buying into Bay Area Manufacturing

…

Listen to the whole interview here.