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Your Call: Amazon threatens small businesses and weakens communities, says new report

L to R: Ferry Plaza market, @t0ldi spoons, Berkeley's Urban Ore and ACCI Gallery, Kristin Arzt quiltz, Crimson Horticultural Rarities, Shop Elmwood tote, Blue Heron bikes, Show & Tell items, Illuminati Waxworks, Old Yak Bazaar scarf, Rickshaw Bagworks

 

Why is it more important than ever to support local businesses? Amazon’s growing market power is threatening small businesses and “weakening communities,” according to a new study from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

The study’s findings conclude that Amazon is causing the number of independent merchants to decline sharply, “undermining jobs and wages,” and affecting local tax bases. What difference does it make when we support local businesses?

Guests:

Olivia LaVecchia, researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s Community-Scaled Economy Initiative

Susana Morales Konishi, executive director of Oakland Grown and small business owner

Alyah Baker, owner of Show & Tell Concept Shop

Web Resources:

Oakland Grown

Buy Local Berkeley

San Francisco Local Merchants Alliance

Show & Tell Oakland

Institute for Local Self-Reliance: How Amazon’s Tightening Grip on the Economy Is Stifling Competition, Eroding Jobs, and Threatening Communities

KQED: Buying into Bay Area Manufacturing

Rose Aguilar has been the host of Your Call since 2006. She became a regular media roundtable guest in 2001. In 2019, the San Francisco Press Club named Your Call the best public affairs program. In 2017, The Nation named it the most valuable local radio show.