Shifting even a modest amount of consumer spending from chains to locally owned businesses would have a major impact on the West Michigan economy, according to a new study. Continue reading
When a small publisher recently agreed to let Amazon.com be the exclusive seller of a new book about Barack Obama, the deal sparked a flurry of protest from independent booksellers and provided new evidence that the e-commerce giant intends to leverage its power as a retailer to gain more control over the production and distribution of books. Continue reading
The grassroots group, Foothill Development Watch, and area community councils enjoyed a recent victory over Wal-Mart when the Salt Lake CIty Planning Commission unanimously rejected Wal-Mart’s request for a zoning change in order to make way for a new supercenter. Continue reading
The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, a four-year-old, statewide grant and loan program for grocery store development, has financed over 50 independent grocery stores and small food retailers in underserved areas of the state. Continue reading
Five years after the project was first introduced, the homeowners group, University Park Estates Neighborhood Association, has thwarted plans for a 140,000-square-foot Home Depot in its community. Continue reading
Shopping center construction continues at a furious pace, even as chain retailers announce plans to close more than 6,500 outlets and vacancy rates soar. Continue reading
During the first week of July, over 40 local business alliances across the country celebrated Independents Week, an annual event that draws public attention to the importance of supporting locally owned, independent businesses. Continue reading
This commentary was originally published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. What Wal-Mart has saved poor and middle-income Americans —and there’s reason to doubt the depth and durability of those discounts — it has taken that and more from them in diminished job opportunities and reduced income. Continue reading
Originally published in the Times Union.
The Capital Region’s future would be much better served by fostering the growth of locally owned businesses, rather than chasing after big-name national retailers. Continue reading
Seacoast Local has grown into a broad movement of independent businesses, nonprofit organizations, and citizens working together to protect and strengthen New Hampshire’s local economy, civic fabric, and distinctive character. Continue reading
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