Last week, this newsletter reported on Amazon’s rising prices–all part of their plan to erase competition–and encouraged readers to buy directly from bookstores and publishers.
In another strategic move, Amazon has been trying to get a foothold in the French market, but if minister of culture, Aurélie Filippeti, has any say, they never will. The minister, pictured here, is also an author. Recently, she has taken a strong stand against the mega-online store, calling it “destructive for booksellers,” saying “everyone has had enough of Amazon, which, through practices of dumping, cuts prices in order to enter markets and drive up rates once they have established a quasi-monopoly.” Just what we said!
Filippeti’s stance goes beyond her words. She has also implemented a 9 million euro (about 11 million US dollars) fund to aid bookstores and ensure their survival. This follows an already existing cap of five percent on discounts allowed by booksellers, including online stores, in order to further protect small bookstores.
Amazon is currently contesting a $252 million tax bill from France for back taxes and penalties.
Things are getting interesting! What are your thoughts? Share them on the Fuze Facebook page.
Read the entire Huffington Post article HERE.
