In 2007 the Supreme Court in America overturned a 96 year old law preventing retailers to advertise their products for an agreed minimum amount. This meant that manufacturers could now enter Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) agreements with their retailers not to sell their products below an agreed minimum amount. This bold move has dramatically helped bricks-and-mortar retailers in America to compete with their online counterparts.

This means that bricks-and-mortar retailers in America now have an equal chance to compete with online traders who are often tempted to slash prices. The truth is that the overheads for a bricks-and-mortar retailer are on average three times higher than an internet trader making it impossible to compete. This is your opportunity to introduce the same law in the UK. By signing this petition you will make a practical contribution in keeping many High Street retailers doors open.

MAP is not price fixing as consumers are still free to negotiate discounts with the retailer at the point of sale. It is only the advertised price that is agreed not the actual sale. It is also voluntary and may not suit all manufacturers. However, there are many UK suppliers who rely on High Street retailers for their business but they cannot fully support them because of a few online rogue traders who insist on slashing prices.

MAP is a win-win because it will save many independent retailers from closing their doors and customers will continue to have somewhere to view products that need to be seen. If we do nothing there will come a time when the High Street will be free of independent traders and full of national chain stores and coffee shops. This is your opportunity to make a difference. With your help we will lobby the government on your behalf to change the law and save the High Street. Thank you for your support.