Will a Dollar General ruin a rural crossroads? VIEW
The long-running dispute in Ebony, Virginia, is about planning and zoning, but also: What does “country” mean to different people in a small town?
Entry to middle class or false promise? Franchises face scrutiny
As franchising continues to grow, there is a rising concern that franchisees need more protections in their contracts with franchisers.
Alabama mining strike ends without a deal after nearly two years
The strike at the Warrior Met Coal mine was one of the longest in U.S. history. The price of coal soared during the walkout, giving...
As Dollar Stores Proliferate, Some Communities Say No
Municipalities across the United States have pushed back against the dollar store industry’s rapid growth during the pandemic.
In a violent America, safety becomes a sales pitch VIEW
Rising gun violence is fueling a more than $3 billion industry of companies working to protect children or employees of schools against mass murder.
When private equity came for the toddler gyms VIEW
According to legal filings, internal documents, and interviews Little Gym franchisees, a private equity firm began to demand higher fees and institute more stringent requirements.
Store shelves no longer bare, but baby formula remains in short supply
Months after one of the largest infant formula manufacturing plants in the U.S. was shut down by contamination concerns, a newborn staple remains in short...
Pandemic buying hangover leaves liquidation warehouses packed VIEW
After a two-year binge of consumer spending — fueled by government checks and the ease of e-commerce — a nasty hangover is taking hold.
Amid attacks and thefts, some retail workers want to fight back VIEW
During the early months of the pandemic, stores became tinderboxes. Many workers say that tension persists, even as pandemic stressors recede.
How a Dollar General employee went viral on TikTok
In January 2021, Mary Gundel received a letter from Dollar General’s corporate office congratulating her for being one of the company’s top-performing employees.