As small businesses and local retailers face blockages and restrictions, e-commerce giants like Amazon have made billions in extra profits . This growing inequality, brought about by the pandemic, prompted a Canadian woman to try to fight.
"I just hate [the fact that] Jeff Bezos and Amazon are making billions at the expense of working-class people," said Ali Haberstroh. "It seems to me that they are putting money ahead of people's well-being."
Haberstroh turned her anger on "Not Amazon," a new window on Canadian independent businesses that lists nearly 4,000 retailers in Toronto, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver.
More than 350,000 people have visited the site, which not only helps store owners, but shows growing frustration with the impact of giant online companies.
"At first it started as a joke, with the name, but soon I really wanted to do it like Amazon, having everything in one place. I didn't want people to have an excuse not to buy at local businesses."
She bought the Not-Amazon.ca domain for C $ 2.99. Many stores, which previously risked bankruptcy, have had sales since they settled on Not Amazon. The business model itself enables this. The owners of Green Jar, a Toronto-based home improvement and cleaning store, said online sales have grown more than 500% since they were listed on Not Amazon.
"The reception from the businesses has been absolutely amazing. I have received messages that make me cry every day."
Source: Guardian
