
Northern Lights, the delightful independent bookstore that was an anchor, for many years, at Canal Park up in Duluth, was the first I'd heard to complain about the problem: Customers browsing the shelves, leafing through books, choosing what they wanted--and then scampering home to order the books, cheaper, online.
"We're really a showroom now for books," said owner Anita Zager last December, as she announced that her store was closing after 17 years.
A year ago, the folks at Amazon might have shrugged, saying that's just capitalism at work. But this weekend, they're taking the gloves off.
In a press release sent out on Tuesday, the folks at Amazon have announced a new free price check app for smart phones which will, they say, ensure that "a deal really is a deal." And tomorrow, they'll give you 5 percent off, up to $5 per item (to a maximum of three items), if you'll use it. They're asking you to download the app, take your phone into a bricks-and-mortar store, scan the price information on something you are interested in buying, and then scamper home and buy it from them.
You'll get the bonus from Amazon on Saturday if you do this, but they're urging you to use the app year-round, even without the bonus, thus "allowing all Amazon customers to get the lowest prices." (And thus, of course, allowing Amazon to collect all kinds of sales data from all over the place, with no effort.)
It is interesting to note that Amazon's offer applies to electronics, toys, music, sporting goods, and DVDs. It does not apply to books.
It is also interesting to note that it is indie bookstores that are fighting this the loudest. It was, of course, through selling books at a high discount that Amazon first launched its empire.
Facebook pages have been launched. Petitions begun. Objections voiced in editorials, on social media. (see #occupyamazon on twitter), on blogs, in statements and even by politicians.