Antitrust and Trade Regulation laws aim to promote free competition in the marketplace. Agreements or cooperative efforts by two or more entities that affects or restrains competitors is illegal under these laws. The Sherman Act makes illegal any contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce and makes monopolies and attempts, combinations, or conspiracies to monopolize illegal. The Clayton Act regulate price discrimination, tying and exclusive dealing contracts, stock acquisition and interlocking directorates.
North Wilkesboro is a town in Wilkes County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,116 at the 2000 census. It is the original home of Lowe's Home Improvement, though the chain has since relocated its headquarters to Mooresville, North Carolina. North Wilkesboro's major industries include furniture, mirror, and textile production. Due to the town's proximity to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the numerous tourist venues there, North Wilkesboro for many years was nicknamed the "Key to the Blue Ridge".