The “Dark Store” Issue

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
A Wal-Mart in Elyria, OH Mike Kalasnik (CC BY-SA 2.0)  

It’s called the “dark store” strategy. Big box stores like Walmart, Lowes and Target argue that their open and operating stores should be taxed the same as their old, shut-down, vacant stores that are sometimes hundreds of miles away. The practice can cost communities a lot in tax dollars — but retailers who engage in the practice say that it’s fair. We’ll talk to a lawmaker rallying against the dark store loophole and a lawyer who’s advocated on its behalf.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Doug Schneider Guest
  • Janis Ringhand Guest
  • Don Millis Guest