Wal-Mart uses its monoply power to squeeze publishers

Wal-Mart uses its monoply power to squeeze publishers
February 4th, 2009 Economy By: George

Wal-Mart the nations largest retailer of magazines will be without copies of People, Sports Illustrated and Time by next week. You will also not be able to purchase In Touch, Life & Style or the National Enquirer from the majority of Wal-Mart’s 4200 stores.

Using its might as the dominant retailer in the U.S. Wal-Mart is backing magazine wholesalers Anderson News and Source Interlink both companies have told publishers that they must pay a 7-cent surcharge for each magazine delivered to Wal-Mart stores.

Time Inc. and Bauer who publishes In Touch and other lifestyle magazines refuse to pay the surcharge for the privilege of being on Wal-Mart shelves.

Curtis Circulation who distributes the National Enquirer and Bauer are telling the wholesalers to take a hike.http://www.nypost.com/seven/02042009/business/no_people_at_wal_mart_153421.htm