Amazon is in hot water as the Federal Trade Commission and 17 states, including New York, have filed a lawsuit against the e-commerce giant, accusing it of using its position in the market to inflate prices on other platforms, overcharging sellers and stifling competition.

Basically, accusing it of acting like a monopoly.

The lawsuit comes after a years-long investigation. It's one of the most significant legal challenges the company has faced in its nearly three-decade-long history.

The business climate, like anything else, is a constant evolution.

“I really try to listen to my customers,” said B. Lodge & Company owner Mark Yonally.

It’s the approach most small business owners have.

“If there is something they’re looking for and there is something they’re into, I really try to make sure I have that for them,” he said.

All while keeping an eye on and competing with massive retailers.

“First it was Walmart,” Yonally said. “Amazon, they’re the long line of business that are really out there to make sure their profits are high.”

Sometimes at the cost of smaller, local businesses, which has caught the attention of 18 attorneys general, including New York’s Letitia James.

“I appreciate the effort,” Yonally said.

The coalition of AGs joins the Federal Trade Commission in suing Amazon, claiming it uses its monopoly to inflate prices, degrade quality and stifle small business owners.

“Amazon is really about convenience,” Yonally said. “You’re not necessarily getting the best price from Amazon.”

Spectrum News 1 reached out to the retail giant for comment Wednesday, but hadn’t heard back as of Wednesday afternoon.

Senior Vice President David Zapolsky posted a lengthy writeup on the matter under the "Company News" tab on the company’s website.

“Over the last several years, we’ve engaged cooperatively with the FTC during a broad-ranging investigation of our business,” he wrote. “It was our hope the agency would recognize that Amazon’s innovations and customer-centric focus have benefited American consumers through low prices and increased competition in the already competitive retail industry.”

Meanwhile, Yonally’s store, an Albany mainstay, has survived the adversity.

“Being a smaller merchant, we keep an eye on the market and see what things are,” he said. “If I have to work tighter on an item so I’m less than they are, I make sure I do.”

Which is why so many small business owners encourage people to support local businesses.

“My need for profit is not as high as them,” Yonally said. “I don’t have to pay for yachts, big ones.”