Buying up all the shelf space involves a company dominating retail displays to enhance product visibility, potentially outshining competitors and boosting sales. However, this behavior is technically unlawful due to the Robinson-Patman Act (1936,) which prohibits kickbacks in the supply chain. Middlemen are prohibited from paying or receiving payments to exclude rivals:

It shall be unlawful for any person engaged in commerce, in the course of such commerce, to pay or grant, or to receive or accept, anything of value as a commission, brokerage, or other compensation, or any allowance or discount in lieu thereof, except for services rendered in connection with the sale or purchase of goods, wares, or merchandise, either to the other party to such transaction or to an agent, representative, or other intermediary therein where such intermediary is acting in fact for or in behalf, or is subject to the direct or indirect control, of any party to such transaction other than the person by whom such compensation is so granted or paid.