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Is it muttar to open a supermarket next to an existing supermarket? Is it muttar to start a new publication competing in the same market as a similar existing publication?
When is it muttar and when is it assur to compete?
There are extensive dinim and psakim on the topic. Very concisely, the factors to take into account include whether the existing business exploits its monopoly and overcharges, whether the new business might use predatory tactics, whether it offers superior goods/services, etc., etc., all of which depending on the location, the size of the community, etc…
That is a shailoh for the local posek. The word “local” is important since it would all depend on local conditions. If a community can easily support competition, competition is good. Where it is a problem for the community to support even one kosher grocery store, it might be a problem.
In Boro Park, opening up a frum supermarket is probably never an issue, whereas in a small city it is more likely to be an issue. Similarly, opening up a unique business (consider a supermarket selling only organic foods with good hecksherim) next to its competitor, that is to say another supermarket selling only organic foods with good hecksherim, may be an issue.
Since there are all local factors, you can’t rely on predcedents from other situations and places.
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