Wal-Mart Scared Of Google
Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, often intimidates its competitors and suppliers. Makers of goods from diapers to DVD’s must cater to its whims. But there is one company that even Wal-Mart eyes warily these days: Google.
“We watch Google very closely at Wal-Mart,” said Jim Breyer, a member of Wal-Mart’s board.
“The worry is that by making information available everywhere, Google might soon be able to tell Wal-Mart shoppers if better bargains are available nearby.”
Hey… isn’t that what it’s all about? Giving the customer insight in prices and by comparison making it possible to save money?
Read more on [The NY Times] via [MobHappy]
Google should enhance Google Local Mobile for this very purpose (assuming this is not functionality already. My Palm can’t run it).
If Google can know your location by your cell phone (most phones have geolocation built in, used mainly for emergency services), know what stores are in the area (through Maps), and know the prices (Froogle, et al), then the mobile user should be able to simply input, say, “Cheez-Its 2.38″, and Google could parse that to check and see if any stores nearby have the item cheaper than the price the user inputted. In the case of multiple similar items, say, the different flavors and sizes of Cheez-Its, the program could prompt the user with several choices to refine the search.
Then, of course, it displays the stores with a better price on a map showing their location relative to the user, and, as per usual, the user can easily get driving directions.
That’d be useful for electronics shopping.
Comment by Michael Akerman | November 8, 2005
You illuminated only half the info. “Buyers” (the ones that THINK they are getting all the “free-market ” info) need to know how deeply the “sellers” (the ones who want you to THINK buyers are getting all the “free-market ” info)are conflicting with the free enterprise model while picking our pockets while controlling how much “info” we get. There has to be published to “buyers” et al, a means to hear the “buyers” voice and begin to fight back. After all, we (buyer) is the reason the “seller” is there. They are stacking the deck. That’s illegal in ANY game especially involving our income, future of future generations.(If there are any). “Buyers” get your heads out of the sand and reach over and get that “seller”’s hand out of OUR pockets before it’s too late! Buyers have a LOUD voice as exemplified in the economic refocusing and resurgence of the African American community and of other ethnic immigrant groups demanding “Sellers” lisyten to our voice or we go somewhere else with our $$$$.
Think about it.!!! How long before our pockets are too empty to pick?
Comment by Bill | November 10, 2005
Amen to that.
Comment by Coolz0r | November 10, 2005