Big-box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses

I found this book through the Strong Towns recommended reading list, and of all the books I have read on the topics of local economic growth and urban economies this is one of the most approachable and informative. Blending anecdote with dry economics research Mitchell writes a convincing argument against market consolidation and public policy (Local, State, Federal) that enables chains undue advantages against independent and small businesses. This is not a treatise against globalism or economic growth, quite the contrary, it is a healthy take down of how unfree our markets are when federal/state infrastructure builds highways and road systems that draw consumers away from their main streets, and states/local governments give outrageous handouts to "employers" at the expense of businesses already in their communities. Close to 2 decades after it was released, Stacy's analysis can be seen as precient in forecasting a lot of the the hollowing out experienced by post industrial American cities and the public policy agenda that catered to large businesses harming local businesses and making bad situations far worse. I highly recommend pairing this book with Alienated America, together they give two sides of the story that taken together I believe fills in alot of the gaps of how we arrived where we have, and what it says about Americas leaders that they continue to press on with policies that consolidate power and bankrupt communities.

Read this book. It's not easy, the truth can sometimes be painful and disturbing. But if you want to be educated, if you want to really goes on in the world of big-box stores you should read this. All is not what it seems. It's well written, incredibly detailed, the research that went into it is impressive. You owe it to every small business, every downtown in America to at least be informed. And, it's empowering, it lets you know what you can do to fight these mega corporations and reclaim America.

This book is scary. The author goes through many case studies and examples of the horrible things we're allowing to happen in our communities --- all in the name of promised "economic growth". I think every city planner should read this book. Anyone interested in saving what's left of our communities should read it. Even if you are skeptical of the author's conclusions, the copious bibliography can point you to the sources of her information and many other articles on the subject.She sometimes repeats stories in different chapters, which can be annoying. However, I enjoyed reading the book because each time I had a questions, the author would answer it in subsequent paragraphs or chapters.My copy of this book will be passed around to everyone that I can get to read it.

Good subject

Muckraking journalism at its very best. Well documented studies of the effects economically, socially, and environmentally on our lives. It shows how the Big Box revolution has drastically changed life in America, complete with many case studies which make it very readable. It exposes the myths deliberately promoted by the big corporations in order to get their way. The book also gives insight into what can be done to stop their progress in individual cases and promotes the idea of supporting local economies. I highly recommend it!