Stories by Stacy Mitchell

Stacy Mitchell is a senior researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, where she directs initiatives on independent business and community banking. She is the author of Big-Box Swindle; and also produces a monthly newsletter, the Hometown Advantage Bulletin.

How Chains Like Walmart and Whole Foods Free Ride on Taxpayers at the Expense of Responsible Small Businesses

Posted on: Jun 7, 2013, Source: AlterNet

New data shows that by leaning on taxpayers, these chains are gaining an unfair financial advantage over more responsible businesses.

After 20 Years, Congress May Finally Pass Internet Sales Tax. Is it Too Late to Save Local Businesses?

Posted on: May 13, 2013, Source: AlterNet

There's no good reason government should be giving consumers a 4 to 10 percent incentive to choose online retailers over local stores.

Walmart's Death Grip on Groceries Is Making Life Worse for Millions of People (Hard Times USA)

Posted on: Mar 26, 2013, Source: AlterNet

Walmart's growing control of our food system has been to intensify the rural and urban poverty that drives unhealthy food choices.

Is Your Stuff Falling Apart? Thank Wal-Mart

Posted on: May 1, 2012, Source: Grist.org

Wal-Mart's cheap stuff is hugely costly - right where it matters most.

Are We on the Brink of a New Deal for Local Economies?

Posted on: Apr 30, 2010, Source: YES! Magazine

More local, durable economies are already taking root. We can help them along by changing the way we regulate businesses, plan cities, and finance our communities.

Bank Local: Indie Businesses Embrace Move Your Money

Posted on: Apr 27, 2010, Source: AlterNet

Small businesses and slices of the larger public have begun taking steps to move their money away from big banks.

Why Congress Wants You to Shun Your Local Bookstore and Shop at Amazon Instead

Posted on: Feb 1, 2010, Source: AlterNet

Online retailers like Amazon.com have a distinct advantage over local stores that are required to collect state sales tax.

How the World's Biggest Corporations, From Starbucks to Wal-Mart to Barnes & Noble, Claim to Be 'Local'

Posted on: Sep 7, 2009, Source: New Rules Project

Hoping to capitalize on growing public enthusiasm for all things local, some of the world's biggest corporations are brashly laying claim to the word "local."

The Resurgence of Local Shops Is a Great Strategy for Fighting Global Warming

Posted on: Aug 24, 2009, Source: New Rules Project

So far, the public debate about cars and climate change has been dominated by fuel economy -- but what if we didn't have to drive to the store at all?

Can Wal-Mart Ever Be 'Green'?

Posted on: Apr 2, 2007, Source: Grist.org

Wal-Mart's commitments to become more energy efficient are not without substance, but what can't be ignored is that big-box retailing is intrinsically unsustainable.

Big Box Swindle: The Fight to Reclaim America from Retail Giants

Posted on: Dec 6, 2006, Source: AlterNet

A growing number of communities are fighting back against the rising power of large retail stores like Wal-Mart. But real change won't come until we stop thinking of ourselves as consumers and start thinking of ourselves as engaged citizens.

Acres for Wal-Mart

Posted on: Apr 20, 2005, Source: AlterNet

Known for squeezing every last dime out of employees and suppliers, Wal-Mart has even managed to get a rock-bottom deal on corporate green-washing.

Home Shopping Networks

Posted on: Mar 16, 2004, Source: AlterNet

People looking for an alternative to Wal-Mart may need look no further than their own community, to the growing number of successful community-owned retail enterprises operating around the country.

Mad in the USA

Posted on: Sep 7, 2003, Source: AlterNet

Wal-Mart and its ilk are muscling small businesses aside. But mom and pop are mad as hell and they're not going to take it anymore.

Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Public Information

Posted on: Feb 19, 2001, Source: New Rules Project

Far from becoming obsolete, public libraries still operate at the heart of their communities. They're fighting, on behalf of their patrons, to prevent private companies from passing legislation that restricts the right to read free of charge.

Jack and the Giant School

Posted on: Jul 20, 2000, Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Higher graduation rates, less violence, a sense of belonging instead of alienation: the case for small schools is overwhelming. Then why do so many state and local governments insist in creating more and more giant schools?

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