Nearly a dozen associations and organizations representing New York small businesses delivered a memo to New York Assembly Members urging them to pass the Twenty-First Century Antitrust Act this legislative session.
The memo underscores the ways small and independent businesses in New York would enjoy significant new protections from the abusive, often anticompetitive behavior by monopolistic corporations with the passage of this bill.
The bill would usher in much needed reforms to the state’s existing antitrust laws, and would place New York at the forefront of a resurgent movement to rein in corporate power and create a fair, open marketplace for independent businesses. The following statements show support from New York business owners, business associations and advocacy organizations:
Bob Giordano, President/Founder of the Westchester Independent Business Alliance. "Our local small independent businesses are the backbone of our communities. They provide character and individuality while keeping jobs and money in the local community. The Big Box stores and dominant online retailers do none of those things. That's why the Westchester Independent Business Alliance is supporting the 21st Century Antitrust Act. We need this legislation to give small, independent businesses a fair shot at competing."
Natasha Amott, owner of Whisk kitchen store in New York City. “New Yorkers love how local businesses contribute to the uniqueness of their neighborhoods and to the vitality of the entire city, but monopolies like Amazon continue to threaten independent businesses. We urgently need this legislation to curb monopolistic behavior in the retail market in order to give local businesses a chance to compete.”
Bill Stewart, owner of LI Toy & Game in Kings Park, New York. “Amazon makes it nearly impossible for small business owners like myself to make a profit selling on their Marketplace. They ask for documentation they know you can't provide. They stock a product you're selling when they see it is popular and profitable, and then undercut your price. They pull your products off the site for no legitimate reason. Because Amazon controls so much of the online selling market share, we don't have a choice and need to be there. Small business owners need this kind of legislation so that our government has better tools to stand up to monopoly bullies like Amazon. They treat small business owners poorly because they know we don’t have the power it takes to stand up to them.”
Allison K Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the American Booksellers Association. "We believe the Twenty-First Century Antitrust Act is a strong first step in renewing antitrust enforcement and leveling the playing field for the thousands of independent businesses in New York. For too long, monopolistic companies such as Amazon have wielded their market dominance and concentrated power to box out small businesses and harm consumers. Senator Gianaris's bill can help restore free and fair competition in New York State."
Dan Tratensek, Chief Operating Officer of the North American Hardware and Paint Association. “As an organization that has represented the interests of independently owned businesses for more than 120 years, we are encouraged to see that we may be making some headway in fighting a system that has traditionally been stacked against small business owners in favor of only the largest operators. This kind of legislation and movement is incredibly important, particularly at a time when small businesses are facing so many challenges.”
Mike Tucker, Executive Director of the Independent Office Products and Furniture Dealers Association. “Since the mid 90’s our members have had to compete with corporate giants like Office Depot and Staples, who have used their size and wealth to destroy 1000’s of small businesses. Over time many of our members have recovered and learned new ways to serve their customers. These dealers are now facing an even bigger threat from Amazon. Amazon is using its monopoly power in ways that a dealer can neither compete with or participate in and make a living wage. We have dozens of dealers in the New York market who are excited about New York’s Twenty-First Century Antitrust Act and hopeful for a future that offers a level playing field for them to compete.”
Matt Carlson, President and CEO of the National Sporting Goods Association. “Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has advocated for its members and helped grow their business. NSGA applauds the New York Twenty-First Century Antitrust Act to protect small businesses and the consumer from monopoly power and predatory business practices, and to create an equitable and diverse marketplace for everyone.”
Stephen Michael, Executive Director of the Main Street Alliance. "Corporate monopolization is one of the biggest threats to a thriving small business economy. With the 21st Century Antitrust Act, New York small businesses will have simple and effective tools to combat anti-competitive tactics by corporations. As we come out of the pandemic, which accelerated corporate consolidation and advantaged big businesses over small, now is the time to ensure we can build back a more resilient, vibrant, competitive local economy. Antitrust law is essential to that goal."
Stacy Mitchell, Co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and a founding member of Small Business Rising. “This bill adds to New York’s reputation as a national leader in combating monopoly power and safeguarding its thousands of small businesses. Existing antitrust laws have allowed monopolies like Amazon to engage in predatory and abusive tactics that take advantage of small, independent businesses that have no choice but to sell their products on its site. By updating and strengthening the definition of abusive behavior, this legislation goes a long way toward giving independent businesses a fair shot at competing.”
Read the full memo of support here. The full list of independent business groups supporting this legislation include:
American Booksellers Association
American Independent Business Alliance
American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
Independent Office Products and Furniture Dealers Association
Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Main Street Alliance
National Community Pharmacists Association
National Ski and Snowboard Retailers Association
National Sporting Goods Association
North American Hardware and Paint Association
Running Industry Association
Westchester Independent Business Alliance