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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 2 Comments | Updated on Jun 23, 2009

Death of the Category Killers

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/death-category-killers/

Borders Books is on "death watch," according to one industry observer. Virgin shut down its last U.S. record store this month. Office Depot and Staples are struggling.  Circuit City is gone.  Best Buy has launched a desperate ad campaign.

While the decline of independent businesses has leveled off, the rest of the retail sector is undergoing dramatic consolidation as a small number of massive companies become ever more dominant. This is an ominous trend for manufacturers and consumers, and it exposes serious flaws in U.S. antitrust policy.  Continue reading

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Justin Dahlheimer | No Comments | Updated on May 5, 2009

Little Saigon Defeats Mega Development

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/little-saigon-defeats-mega-development/

Since 2005, residents and local business owners have been working to block this large retail development from spoiling their vibrant, walkable, urban neighborhood, which is home to many immigrant-owned small businesses. In late April, the developer backed out. Continue reading

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Justin Dahlheimer | No Comments | Updated on Mar 13, 2009

Leslieville Group Stops Big-Box Shopping Center

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/leslieville-group-stops-bigbox-shopping-center/

The grassroots group, East Toronto Community Coalition, was awarded for its efforts when the Ontario Municipal Board rejected a developer’s plan to bring a big-box plaza to the Toronto neighborhood of Leslieville. Continue reading

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | 2 Comments | Updated on Mar 12, 2009

Four Corporate Tax Loopholes States Should Close

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/four-corporate-tax-loopholes-states-should-close/

Doing so would ease budget shortfalls and restore a measure of fairnessfor small businesses, which lack access to these loopholes and end upshouldering a heavier tax burden than their big competitors. Some evidence even suggests that leveling the playing field may help spur entrepreneurialism and job growth. Continue reading

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Resource filed under Independent Business | Written by admin | 1 Comment | Updated on Dec 23, 2008

How Big are Big-Box Stores?

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/how-big-are-bigbox-stores/

Wal-Mart and Target are currently building "supercenters," which combine their usual array of merchandise with a full supermarket and numerous specialty services from cut flowers to eye glasses. Supercenters typically range from 180,000 to 250,000 square feet, or between 4.1 to 5.7 acres. The parking lots that surround these stores are several times the size of the store itself. Continue reading

Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Nov 25, 2008

Retailers (Legally) Skimming Sales Taxes Paid by Customers

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/retailers-legally-skimming-sales-taxes-paid-customers/

Little-noticed laws in more than half the states allow retailers to keep a portion of the sales taxes they collect from shoppers. The practice is costing states over $1 billion a year and lining the pockets of large chains, notably Wal-Mart. Continue reading

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Aug 1, 2008

Sharp Rise in Shopping Center Vacancies

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/sharp-rise-shopping-center-vacancies/

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

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Sep 28, 2007

Tesco Making Landfall on West Coast

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/tesco-making-landfall-west-coast/

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. Continue reading

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Article filed under Independent Business | Written by Stacy Mitchell | No Comments | Updated on Sep 2, 2007

Whole Foods: The Local Face of a Mega-Retailer

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/whole-foods-local-face-megaretailer/

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. Continue reading