http://www.newrules.org/retail/ This newsletter reports on efforts nationwide to stop chain store proliferation and support locally owned, independent retail businesses. Learn about land use policies and other ways that communities are bucking the "big box" retail trend and encouraging small-scale, homegrown businesses - and why this approach is proving far more beneficial to the local economy. The Hometown Advantage is a program of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). en-us http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=372 The number of shuttered box stores and empty strip malls has expanded dramatically over the last six months, according to data compiled by commercial real estate brokers and investment advisors. And the situation is likely to get much worse. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=371 This Portsmouth-based local business network is not only changing people's shopping habits, but boosting their involvement in a wide range of community organizations and causes. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=370 In a move that will help level the playing field for independent businesses, New York lawmakers adopted a policy this week requiring Amazon.com and other online retailers to collect state and local sales taxes. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=369 For years, chain retailers have exploited a loophole present in the tax laws of about half the states to escape paying billions of dollars in state income taxes. Efforts to close these loopholes have faced an uphill struggle, but the momentum may finally be shifting, thanks to research that has exposed the extent of the problem and its primary corporate beneficiaries, as well as new activism by independent business owners, who are breaking rank with powerful business groups to call for tax fairness. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=368 Soaring gift card sales have been a boon to chain retailers. By developing joint gift cards, independent businesses are beginning to redirect some of this spending to the local economy. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=367 Using local independent suppliers for state contracts results in three times the economic benefit of bids fulfilled through national chains, according to an Arizona study. The findings are fueling support for a bill that would give a purchasing preference to local businesses. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=367 http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=366 Independent retailers in cities with active "Buy Local" campaigns reported much larger increases in holiday sales on average than those in cities without such campaigns. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=366 http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=365 Retail workers are making $4.5 billion less each year due to Wal-Mart's presence, according to a new study. Meanwhile, a second study concludes that Wal-Mart could adopt a $10 minimum wage at little cost to shoppers. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=365 http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=364 Whether to patronize a chain or a locally owned business is not top of mind for many holiday shoppers, but it should be. It's a choice that has profound implications for our economy. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=363 Here's what we can expect if the world's 5th largest retailer succeeds in unrolling 500 stores in California, Nevada, and Arizona. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=362 A two-year-old campaign dedicated to building support for locally owned businesses in Utah is having a big impact. Sales are up and a recent poll found that 3 out 4 residents want the city to adopt policies that favor local businesses. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=361 Independent business owners were instrumental in advocating for the new law, which will put an end to the multi-million dollar subsidies that are routinely given to chain retail projects in the Phoenix metro. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=360 The Maine legislature has given its approval to a bill that requires cities and towns to evaluate the economic effects of large-scale retail development and to approve only those projects that will not have an adverse impact on jobs, local businesses, and municipal finances. The legislation is the first of its kind in the nation. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=359 In a unanimous decision, the California Supreme Court fortified efforts by cities to limit big-box stores, favor small-scale retailers, and protect the vitality of downtowns. The ruling strongly affirms the authority of cities to enact zoning rules that regulate economic competition to achieve valid public purposes. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=358 While many parts of the country are overrun with chain stores, San Francisco remains a stronghold for locally owned businesses, according to a new study, which also found that those local stores generate sizable benefits for the city's economy. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=357 A bill before the Maine legislature calls for towns to evaluate the economic effects of big-box development projects and to reject those that would have an adverse impact. Should it pass, the legislation would be the first of its kind in the nation. http://www.newrules.org/retail/news_slug.php?slugid=356 The global chain wants to gut a policy that constrains big-box development in favor of town centers. But activists are mounting a powerful campaign not only to keep the law, but strengthen it.