Amazon Using iOS App and Discounts to Grab Shoppers from Physical Stores

Amazon Using iOS App and Discounts to Grab Shoppers from Physical Stores

Christian Zibreg at 9To5Mac writes, “Amazon, the online shopping juggernaut, just announced that it will ‘incentivize’ shoppers in physical retail stores to buy products on Amazon.com instead by shaving an additional five percent off of qualifying products.”

The company urged customers to download their updated Price Check app so they could check prices as they work their way through the aisles of their local retailers this Saturday, December 10th:

Customers that use Price Check by Amazon (available on iPhone or Android) on December 10th to price check while shopping in physical retail stores will get an additional discount of 5% (up to $5) off Amazon’s price on up to three qualifying products in the eligible categories, including electronics, toys, music, sporting goods and DVDs.

This is the first time Amazon has gone directly after the bricks and mortar retailers by giving shoppers an added incentive to instead purchase the item from Amazon. Physical retailers have higher overhead than Amazon, and must charge sales tax in more places.

So, while you’re out on Saturday searching for that perfect gift for Aunt Alice, whip out your iPhone and do some price checking with Amazon. You could save a few bucks. Then go over to the Apple Store and buy yourself something real nice, you deserve it.