WizKids is a board game publishing company. Recently, they have decided to switch from using many distributors, to two - Alliance and Diamond. These two distributors are owned by the same person. They are also the two distributors who give discounts to retailers based on volume. Most distributors give discounts to retailers based on the discount given to them by the publisher. Alliance is also the distributor that passed on WizKids games when they were starting - WizKids is now abandoning the distributor who gave them their start.
I know in the video/computer game industry, the retailers have all the power. If you are trying to get a video game on the shelf at EB Games, you pay for that space on their shelf. It's worth it though, because it is hard to move product even with an internet sales option without it being in a retail store.
This is definitely not the case with board game stores, as it seems most of them are independent, so if you can't get your product into one you could go to another store. If publishers are going to cut exclusive deals with a distributor, that will definitely tip the balance of power towards that link in the chain. Eventually you only have one or two distributors, and when that happens, they will focus on what has worked for them in the past as opposed to trying to make a breakthrough to get ahead, because there's no-one to get ahead of anymore. So you end up with the same game franchises/hit genres again and again with no room for any independents to break in.
That's why you can find 30 versions of Monopoly at Wal-Mart, but no Carcassonne. They know they can sell lots of Monopoly. When the money is more important than the games, you can make lots of money, but you lose the games.
That's why I would only buy from shops that are owned by people who are passionate about games. These guys work hard to get the best games possible on their shelves. The money is just so they can live, and buy new games. It's not about making a buck - it's about the games. They're not going to raise their margin unless they have to.
Sadly, the other links in the supply chain that only care about money know that, and raise their margins instead. Or give volume discounts to an industry of retailers that can't afford to buy in bulk.
I will not buy any WizKids products now, because I feel it is not right to abandon the one who gave you your start. If they had switched to three distributors, I would not have joined the boycott. But, by punishing those who are willing to risk for those who will only go with the proven track records, everyone is less likely to take a risk next time. And that means we could be missing out on some amazing games.