Fanatics, the self-described Amazon of sports, has used long-term exclusive deals to monopolize apparel and memorabilia markets, and make its products unavoidable.
monopoly
Posted inEconomic Policy
Taming the Pricing Beast
The government has a variety of strategies to protect the public from price-gouging and information advantages over the consumer.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Lina Khan: Extraction Exterminator
The Federal Trade Commission chair plays a key role in preventing exploitative pricing schemes from taking root.
Posted inEconomic Policy
War in the Aisles
Monopolies across the grocery supply chain squeeze consumers and small-business owners alike. Big Data will only entrench those dynamics further.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Defense Department Submits to Microsoft’s Profit-Taking
The forced upgrade to Microsoft’s E5 productivity apps, ostensibly for cybersecurity reasons, is an example of the software giant’s insinuation into government tech systems.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
The Music Mafia’s Invincible ‘Poison Dwarf,’ in the Crosshairs at Last?
The DOJ says Live Nation has been colluding with its former chairman Irving Azoff to fix artist fees and ‘pimp’ Ticketmaster.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
How Live Nation’s Monopoly Works
A Justice Department lawsuit alleges a repeated strategy of intimidation tactics, retribution, and all-around thuggish behavior.
Posted inEconomic Policy
The Raiding of Red Lobster
The bankrupt casual restaurant chain didn’t fail because of Endless Shrimp. Its problems date back to monopolist seafood conglomerates and a private equity play.
Posted inHealth and Social Policy
New Bill Seeks to End Drug Shortages
The Senate Finance Committee wants to create a new program to incentivize better practices. Critics say there’s an easier way: end kickbacks between suppliers and bulk purchasers.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Live Nation Strikes Up the Band in Washington
Legal hot water and potential legislative reforms have triggered millions of dollars in lobbyist spending and campaign donations.