3 ms·

I do wonder how much of this lack of competition is also due to consumers not trying alternatives? (as discussed in my post[1]) [1]: https://news.ycombinator.c

• actually_a_dog 5y ago
  That's a good point. But, part of the problem is that, in many cases, the "alternatives" are just made by different parts of the same conglomerate. In other words, "choice" is sometimes illusory. See https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/29/starbucks-v-dunkin-how-capitalism-gives-us-the-illusion-of-choice https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/29/starbu... for example.
  • maerF0x0 5y ago
    It's particularly interesting that the article either failed to mention house brands / non branded alternatives. (or the numbers are so small they weren't worth mentioning...) For example I'm not talking about pepsi vs coke vs mecca cola, but something like Safeway Select or Walmart Great Value. As a consumer I would expect that to be the happy place for, no pun intended, great value for my money. These brands have nothing to offer but price and quality, and so I expect to get an excellent compromise of the two.
• salawat 5y ago
  There is also the problem that huge competitors can create value deserts via hyperoptimization rendering less optimized competitors from even getting a foot hold.