I’m at a loss to understand how a big Amazon distribution warehouse would steal local retail jobs. In our suburban location, any remaining local retail (not impacted by the addition of an Amazon distribution warehouse) can be found scattered among chain retail stores in strip malls. Those are mostly local craft and food kinds of stores, pawnshops, etc. Almost 90% of what I purchase on Amazon isn’t readily available locally. There are exceptions, such as a ream of printer paper. But for that I would go to a local big box store, if it weren’t so darned convenient through Amazon.
I recently purchased a decorative yard windmill from Amazon. My local “At Home” big box retailer sells them, but the selection is pathetic. With Amazon I can choose from hundreds of different styles and sizes.
If it is about potential lost tax revenue, recent legislation (which I support) has made it possible for local governments to tax on-line sales.
