1 Aug 2002

Newspapers Suffer When Local Stores Close

by | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

Small Businesses Fight Abuse of Eminent Domain

by | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

Big Box Sprawl Causes Sharp Rise in Police Costs

by | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

Wal-Mart Decision Challenged in New Orleans

by | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

“Independents Week” Celebrated in Tampa

by | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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

At Borders, Mega Publishers Get the Keys to the Kingdom

by | Date: 1 Aug 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

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 May 2002

Arcata Prohibits Forumula Restaurants

by | Date: 1 May 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

In mid-May, the city council of Arcata, California voted 4-to-1 to enact a citywide cap on the number formula restaurants. The measure must pass a second reading on June 5. It will become law 30 days later. The ordinance defines a formula restaurant as one that shares the same design, menu, trademark, and other characteristics with twelve or more other establishments. The ordinance bars a formula restaurant from locating within the city unless it is replacing an existing formula restaurant at the same location. … Read More
1 May 2002

Ocean Beach Planning Board Endorses Formula Business Ban

by | Date: 1 May 2002 | posted in: Retail | 0 Facebooktwitterredditmail

Six weeks after an advisory referendum won broad support from residents, the Ocean Beach, California, planning board voted 8-to-4 in early May to recommend that the city council adopt an ordinance banning all formula restaurants and retail businesses.

Ocean Beach is a neighborhood of San Diego with a population of about 15,000. Each of the city’s neighborhoods has its own master plan and elected planning board.

… Read More

1 … 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 … 79