Problem
Imagine you were the Lead Business Economist of the Competition Commission that investigated the anti-competitive practices in the retail sector mentioned in the extract. You have been requested to report in assignment essay format to parliament on your investigation:
1. In your report on the investigation process and findings, apply your relevant knowledge on market structures to discuss the practices reported on in the extract and how they could have been interpreted as anti-competitive behavior.
2. Discuss the possible effects of such business practices on other businesses, consumers and social welfare.
3. Present an economic argument that can be applied to address the challenges facing the retail sector. Your recommendation must be supported by relevant theories derived from a specific market structure.