SKU: 19280401576

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

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Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent BusinessesA Book Sense Pick and Annual Highlight With a New Afterword In less than two decades, large retail chains have become the most powerful corporations in America. In this deft and revealing book, Stacy Mitchell illustrates how mega retailers are fueling many of our most pressing problems, from the shrinking middle class to rising pollution and diminished civic engagement and she shows how a growing number of communities and independent businesses are

A Book Sense Pick and Annual Highlight

With a New Afterword

In less than two decades, large retail chains have become the most powerful corporations in America. In this deft and revealing book, Stacy Mitchell illustrates how mega-retailers are fueling many of our most pressing problems, from the shrinking middle class to rising pollution and diminished civic engagement--and she shows how a growing number of communities and independent businesses are effectively fighting back.

Mitchell traces the dramatic growth of mega-retailers--from big boxes like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Costco, and Staples to chains like Starbucks, Olive Garden, Blockbuster, and Old Navy--and the precipitous decline of independent businesses. Drawing on examples from virtually every state in the country, she unearths the extraordinary impact of these companies and the big-box mentality on everything from soaring gasoline consumption to rising poverty rates, failing family farms, and declining voting levels. Along the way, Mitchell exposes the shocking role government policy has played in the expansion of mega-retailers and builds a compelling case that communities composed of many small, locally owned businesses are healthier and more prosperous than those dominated by a few large chains.

More than a critique, Big-Box Swindle provides an invigorating account of how some communities have successfully countered the spread of big boxes and rebuilt their local economies. Since 2000, more than two hundred big-box development projects have been halted by groups of ordinary citizens, and scores of towns and cities have adopted laws that favor small-scale, local business development and limit the proliferation of chains. From cutting-edge land-use policies to innovative cooperative small-business initiatives, Mitchell offers communities concrete strategies that can stave off mega-retailers and create a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Beacon Press
Published: 10/01/2007
ISBN: 9780807035016
Pages: 318
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.90d
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SKU: 19280401576

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Rick H
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Well made, well fitting shirt.
Size: Large, Color: Burgundy, Pocket Description: No Pocket
I love buying products that pleasantly surprise. This is a well made shirt made with quality fabric. I also like that it fit me perfectly, it's wrinkly resistant and great value for the money. I've brought this awhile ago and it's held up great in the wash. It's one of those causal wear shirts you can wear just about anywhere. Oh, and the part that pleasantly surprised me the most is the fit. It fit so well, people ask if I've been going to the gym or am working out (I haven't). Who knew all i needed was a nice fitting shirt?
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
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Port Orchard, US
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Great quality- thick and soft t-shirt
Size: X-Large, Color: White, Pocket Description: Pocket
These are the softest, thickest long sleeved t-shirts ever. Highly recommend...cannot believe the price and that they are Amazon-basics...quality is that of a good popular brand name at three times the price. Bought one last week and washed it up and it's so nice that I bought several more. It is true to size- looks a bit on the big size until you wash it and then it's very true to size. Hubby is 6'1" (205lb) and wears an xl.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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Mom Griswold
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 3
Yeah, they shrink, a lot.
Size: X-Large, Color: Light Grey Heather, Pocket Description: Pocket
I knew they would shrink but I needed to know if so on permanent press cycle. Well they shrink a lot. I bought two and they were very comfortable and soft. I'm not returning since Amazon made it clear they will shrink. I'm the dummy.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026
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J.R. Sedivy
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
A Good Value
Size: X-Large, Color: White, Pocket Description: No Pocket
I really like these shirts and have ordered a number of them so far. They're warm and comfortable and are of overall good quality. They will shrink substantially, and the arm length will be reduced. That being said I just order them a size larger than what I typically wear and know that the sleeves will be a bit short. Otherwise they're a quality shirt. The material is thick, but not overly so, and they don't seem to fade even after numerous washes. These shirts are durable, well-made, and are a good value.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2025
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Amazon Customer Sandra
Belleville, US
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Great Quality, 100% cotton, buy 1 size larger. I’m 100% happy!
Size: Large, Color: Black Charcoal Heather Stripe, Pocket Description: Pocket
I will be buying more of these. I knew they were 100% cotton so I bought a large when I normally wear a medium. After I washed it in warm water and dried it in the dryer, it fits perfectly. The cotton is of great quality not thin and flimsy. I expect to get plenty of wear out of this t-shirt. Also, it did not fade. I recommend buying one size larger.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026

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