Truth Out, December 7, 2013 Next time someone tells you they shop at Walmart because it’s cheap or convenient, share this. Despite 1,500 protests nationwide against Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer claimed its most lucrative Black Friday ever in 2013. Our friends and neighbors flock there. They do – even those who have seen mom-and-pop stores … Read More
The Daily Journal, December 6, 2013 Locally-owned shops versus national retail stores? An afterthought for us, but for small businesses it can mean life or death. “I made my living in this community,” said 79-year-old Paul Cardosi as he was having his watch band repaired at Andaul Jewelers in Bourbonnais. “Why not shop locally? People supported … Read More
Government Technology, December 3, 2013 Los Angeles will release an RFP early next year seeking a vendor to build a free, fiber-based broadband network for all residents and businesses. But while the concept of citywide, high-speed connectivity is attractive, experts believe the plan isn’t realistic. Harold Feld, senior vice president of Public Knowledge, a technology-focused consumer … Read More
Various Sources, November 25-30, 2013 ILSR was mentioned in a number of stories related to the start of the holiday shopping season. Below are links to some of those stories: Locally owned businesses participate in Cyber Monday – WHAS The Institute for Local Self-Reliance and 150 Local Business organizations representing over 40,000 Local Independent businesses across … Read More
CommonDreams, November 26, 2013 For those suffering from too much quality time with their families, the chain stores are poised to offer an escape by opening Thanksgiving Day. Before your dinner is digested, you can flee the table to vie for pole position at the big box entrance like Roman chariot drivers and prepare to do … Read More
Huffington Post, November 13, 2013 Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has received positive press in recent years for its promises to go green. The company began issuing an annual Global Responsibility Report in 2005. It announced plans to slash emissions in its supply chain in 2010. The company pledged this year to expand the use of … Read More
Ars Technica, November 8, 2013 Los Angeles wants to bring fiber-based broadband to all of its residents and businesses and build a citywide Wi-Fi network at the same time. The best part for LA is that the buildout won’t cost the city a dime. Free broadband for all, and gigabit for those who can afford it. … Read More
Bookselling This Week, October 31, 2013 The American Booksellers Association has joined with six other organizations to launch Advocates for Independent Business (AIB), a coalition of trade associations and other groups dedicated to ensuring that locally owned, independent businesses succeed and thrive. ABA co-founded the coalition together with the American Independent Business Alliance, American Specialty Toy Retailing … Read More
BBC News Magazine, October 27, 2013 Home broadband in the US costs far more than elsewhere. At high speeds, it costs nearly three times as much as in the UK and France, and more than five times as much as in South Korea. Why? Men’s haircuts, loaves of bread… it is surprising how much more expensive … Read More
