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Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois
Same prices here at Farm and Fleet, Moline, Ill. and also Farm King, Monmouth, Ill. Wonder why they are so much more expensive in other parts of the country?
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It was called "monopolistic competition" in my economics class. Businesses compete with other businesses in the same area (such as a state or city) rather than nationwide. If they can get away with charging more in one area they will do so. It's the same reason why gas prices are higher near an interstate and lower as you drive away from a highly traveled area. Also the big gas companies compete against each other and not against Costco and Sam's Club.
Ever notice when you look up prices on the Internet for merchandise in brick & mortar stores like Costco or Sears they always ask for you zip code?
I don't shop on Amazon and other internet-only retailers so I don't know if their prices are the same across the county. Some of you may know.
David Serrano