I remember reading last holiday season about retailers providing floor staff with devices so they could do real-time price comparisons with competitors and make adjustments accordingly. This is going to work for big retailers rather than, say, independent bookstores.
I've seen the recent ads from Walmart offering to match prices customers bring to the cash register.
I've not tried it and don't know if I'd be brave enough to even attempt the process. Just imagine holding up the line behind you to save a dollar. I bet the folks behind you aren't going to appreciate the delay.
And just how the process is supposed to work, I'm not sure. Bring out a printed ad, show the ad on your smart phone? Who knows.
Maybe that's what Walmart is counting on. Not many requesting a price reductions in real life, but just BELIEVING Walmart has the lowest prices to start with.
I think showrooming works best if only a very few customers(and those who have done proper price research on every item) will walk away with the best deal, this in turn will generate long queue at the cash counter (as if they are any shorter during holiday season anyways) sigh!! I guess I'll just pay 50 cents more and get home early.
Showrooming has been a big problem for small retailers. One of the relatively few remaining independent bookstores in New York, St Mark's Bookshop, is in dire straits. One owner told me he watches countless customers come in, browse the shelves as if in a library, check the price of items on their smartphones, and walk out again. He can't pay his lease and undercut Amazon.
Well, I can't say I blame the brick and mortar stores for trying. It has to be pretty frustrating to be 'showroomed' all the time. Having good traffic, a lot of people in-store, but poor sales at the end of the day.
Valiant effort, though, but as you've said, while it might inconvenience some people say at the checkout counter, it might actually help their business this season. Who knows?
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