Institute for Local Self-Reliance

NEW: Walmart found a creative, illegal way to make sure they have the lowest prices. They're forcing companies to raise prices on any competitor who dares to sell items at a lower price than Walmart. They're using their size and reach to squeeze out stores across America.

A new investigation revealed that school districts and local governments are reportedly overpaying for supplies because of Amazon contracts that bind them to dynamic pricing. Rather than allow for competitive bidding, the deals “covertly raise prices and inflate costs for governments.”

1. This is now unsealed. The FTC filing shows Pepsi worked closely with Walmart to force other retailers to raise their prices on Pepsi products. The Khan-era FTC brought the case; Trump/Ferguson dropped it as “weak.” It looks anything but. It directly targets high prices.

1. ILSR has filed a motion in federal court to unseal the FTC’s antitrust complaint against PepsiCo. The case bears directly on high grocery prices & food deserts—and would've marked a crucial revival of the neglected Robinson-Patman Act. But the public may never get to see it.

A judge ordered the release of the unredacted price discrimination lawsuit filed by Chair Khan against Pepsi (and killed by the Trump-Vance FTC). This lawsuit was seeking to stop illegal business practices that raise prices for Pepsi products at every retailer besides Walmart. It is very likely that the companies are still doing this. I wonder, now that pretending to care affordability is in vogue for the GOP, if they regret spiking this one?