FTC Launches Inquiry Into Supply Chain Issues
The FTC under Lina Khan ordered a review of supply chain practices which may have contributed to the supply chain crisis including empty shelves and higher prices.
9 large retailers and wholesalers were ordered to produce information including Walmart Inc., Amazon, Kroger, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Associated Wholesale Grocers., McLane Co, Procter & Gamble, Tyson Foods, and Kraft Heinz.
It is telling to note that "anticompetitive practices" were mentioned in the note, as Lina Khan has long been an outspoken critic of Amazon, although the list of companies seems to indicate that the focus here is on grocery more than anything else. Still can't shake the feeling that this is an easy way for the FTC to take a peek at Amazon in advance of other actions it could try next year.
What happens when the answer comes back "coronavirus and rising material and labor costs"?
