Washington, D.C. — “For decades, Main Street businesses have raised concerns about discriminatory pricing practices undermining their ability to compete on a level playing field. Allowing the FTC’s case against Southern Glazer’s to move forward validates those concerns and represents a significant moment, particularly for independent retailers who often face systemic disadvantages when competing with large national chains.
At the heart of the FTC’s case is the principle of fair competition—ensuring that small, community-based businesses aren’t penalized simply because they aren’t as large as some of the country’s mega-chains. The court’s ruling, which should allay the initial legal reservations from dissenting FTC commissioners, affirms that longstanding price disparities, if not clearly justified by true efficiencies, can be a red flag for anti-competitive behavior that can harm the well-being of our local economies.
This case—one of only two active Robinson-Patman Act enforcement actions—marks a critical turning point in the fight for fair competition. A successful outcome could help level the playing field and restore a more balanced marketplace—one where independent businesses have an opportunity to grow, serve their communities, and compete fairly.
We urge policymakers, antitrust enforcers, and the public to stand with Main Street and support strong enforcement of the laws that protect fair competition. Independent businesses and agriculture producers are the backbone of America’s local economies—it’s time to ensure they get a fair shake.”
About the MSCC
The Main Street Competition Coalition is comprised of national and state industry trade associations and agriculture groups who support vigorous enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act. Our membership constitutes the backbone of Main Street America, including independent grocers, community pharmacists, convenience stores, truck stops, independent bars and restaurants, booksellers, hoteliers, package stores, wholesale distributors, and farmers and ranchers. Our advocacy mission and full membership list is available on our website: www.mainstreetcompetition.com.
