I’m the Business Reporter at More Perfect Union. I cover the intersection of business, finance, and politics. Since joining MPU in 2022, I have covered various topics including antitrust, retail, energy, and transportation. You can find my archive here.
The vast majority of this site has moved to www.slottingfee.com, the new home for my detailed retail and consumer goods writing. I’ve left up book reviews and random writing here.
Some MPU writing
America’s Mega Chains Thrive Off Illegal Price Discounts. The FTC’s New Commissioner Is Fed Up.
The FTC recently announced it was going to start enforcing Robinson-Patman. Here’s a look at what it is, and why manufacturer’s started working in a legal grey area.
Rail Strike By The Numbers: Railroad Profits Are Soaring At Workers’ Expense
In 2022 the rail unions almost went on strike, which would of crippled the U.S. economy. This takes a look at the underlying issue. Essentially, private railroads are now profit generating machines. There’s a direct relationship between corporate profits, and the decline in labor’s share.
This is a wonky title, but basically, Energy companies are choosing to reward investors instead of investing in their infrastructure. The result is an unmanaged migration towards clean energy, that rewards only shareholders.
Here’s How Amazon Is Strangling Small Businesses
A look at Amazon’s predatory behavior.
Why Are Diaper Prices Up 184 Percent? Two Corporations Are Preying On Parents
It’s hard to definitely declare price gouging. However, when you look at the evolution in the diaper industry, it becomes pretty clear it’s exactly what’s going on.
CPG and Retail Writing
I run the Slotting Fee, a modestly popular consumer goods and retail newsletter. It’s free, and a bit more technical than what I write at MPU. It’s also non-political.
Did the FTC just signal the End of Trade Promotion?
A sample of what the monthly newsletter looks like.
Kraft Heinz Is Dying a Death by a Thousand Cost Cuts
A look at zero-based budgeting through the decline of Kraft-Heinz
Why did Dean Foods go Bankrupt?
I analyze the decline of Dean Foods through the Porter Model.