Part 6/12:
"In the 1980s and 90s, there were many local stores and malls, not just giant chains. Amazon and Walmart have outcompeted them all, creating a sterile retail environment."
The Future of Shopping and the Role of Local Businesses
The influence of big corporations has led to a decline in small businesses, replaced mostly by Amazon and Walmart. Neon suggests that if people tire of the monopolistic retail environment, there's a chance that local stores and markets might make a comeback—especially if economic circumstances lead to higher prices or job losses from automation.
He laments that these corporations have dominated markets due to their buying power and convenience but warns that the lack of competition could backfire, particularly if technological failures or cyberattacks occur.