I think we are confusing two issues here with Amazon:
- a large company and its responsibility for its supply chain's labor practices
- a company that does business primarily over the internet and has little local presence
We should remember that there are a number of companies besides Amazon and Walmart who are equally guilty of item #1. The Chinese sweatshop is pretty prevalent and useful to our consumerist mentality.
It's a pity how many shoppers use just price as the determining factor in their purchases.
Recently, I was volunteering in the bike coop and helped a lady with some parts for her new build.
She: How much are those tires?
Me: $15 each.
She: I don't want them. I can get them online for $8.
Me: Plus shipping.
She: Still cheaper.
Me: Not if you have to return them.
She: Oh, I won't need to do that.
Meanwhile I'm thinking... hth can you sell a tire for $8 and still expect the people who manufacture it to eat a reasonable diet? As well, it's ultimately cheaper to buy a slightly better quality tire, say around $30 each. These last much longer.