Big-Box Swindle
Subtitle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses
Publisher: Beacon Press
Published: November 1, 2006
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 318
ISBN-13: 9780807035009
Subjects: Management & management techniques; Retail trade; Retail Management; Small Business Management; Business & Economics; Business / Economics / Finance; Business/Economics; USA; Small business; Industries - Retailing; Business & Economics / General; Small Business - General; Chain stores; United States
Description: Large retail chains have become the most powerful corporations in America and are rapidly transforming our economy, communities, and landscape. Local-business researcher Mitchell illustrates how mega-retailers are fueling many of our most pressing problems, from the shrinking middle class to rising water pollution and diminished civic engagement. Mitchell's investigation takes us from the suburbs of Cleveland to a fruit farm in California, the stockroom of an Oregon Wal-Mart, and a Pennsylvania town's Main Street. She uncovers the role government policy has played in the expansion of mega-retailers and builds a compelling case that communities composed of many small businesses are healthier and more prosperous than those dominated by large chains. More than a critique, this book draws on real life to present innovative approaches--from cutting-edge land-use policies to small-business initiatives--that together provide a detailed road map to a more prosperous and sustainable future.--From publisher description.