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Effects of E-commerce on Local Labor Markets

Author

Listed:
  • Bauer, Anahid

    (MINES ParisTech)

  • Fernández Guerrico, Sofía

    (University of Konstanz)

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of e-commerce on local labor markets. We exploit cross-market variation in e-commerce price advantage stemming from the enactment of the Amazon Tax-state-level legislation that mandates state sales taxes collection to out-of-state online retailers. Introducing out-of-state sales taxes lowered employment and reduced wages in transportation and warehousing, industries complementary to e-commerce. Within the in-state retail sector, the decline in brick-and-mortar employment is somewhat offset by an increase in employment in warehouse clubs and supercenters. Our results are consistent with a general equilibrium model in which consumers substitute e-commerce for big-box purchases, crowding out brick-and-mortar retail.

Suggested Citation

  • Bauer, Anahid & Fernández Guerrico, Sofía, 2023. "Effects of E-commerce on Local Labor Markets," IZA Discussion Papers 16345, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16345
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    e-commerce; retail; employment; Amazon Tax;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • J2 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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