VIDEO: A Real Small Business Tax Obstacle

By Tom Niemisto, Video Production Specialist, December 15, 2011 at 4:00 pm

Positive holiday retail sales signal consumer confidence is up, helping our economic recovery. But not all is well for small brick-and-mortar retail businesses in Minnesota, which have a double disadvantage against online retailers this season.

Internet merchants have a pricing advantage because of online sales tax loopholes. Adding to worries for traditional businesses is Amazon.com, which has developed a smartphone app that lets consumers go into a brick-and-mortar store, scan bar codes, and get a discount if they buy from Amazon instead.   

Discounts can be attractive, but there's social and economic value in supporting Minnesota businesses and products.

Posted in Economic Development | Related Topics: Buy Local  Corporate Business  Small Business