Big Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses.(Brief article)(Book review)

Big Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses STACY MITCHELL. Beacon, $25.95 (320p) ISBN 978-0-8070-3500-9

Mitchell, chair of the American Independent Business Alliance, has produced a compelling indictment of Wal-Mart and other "big box" stores, based on numerous national examples. Deep-pocketed chains like Home Depot flood the market to drive out competition, she points out, then advertise some products at or below cost, while most other products may offer no better value than at independent stores. Meanwhile, she argues, independent businesses not only return profits to local communities and remain more …