Free service helps retailers compete with Amazon by offering online shoppers Amazon price matches and same-day pickup from local stores.
November 18, 2015 – Ann Arbor, MICH—A new online service called PriceLocal, launching today across the United States, gives consumers the ability to browse on Amazon and then get exactly what they want from a local store willing to match the Amazon Prime price. PriceLocal was founded by former Borders executive Matt Chosid, who saw first hand how Amazon helped destroy one iconic brick-and-mortar retailer and was inspired to offer retailers another option.
“Amazon is a juggernaut that impacts the ability of local retailers of all sizes to compete, while consumers have the perception that shopping locally will be more expensive” said Chosid. “PriceLocal is a win-win for shoppers and retailers. Shoppers can find and get something right away at a fair price while supporting the local economy. And local retailers can level the playing field with Amazon by turning local online traffic into increased sales and foot traffic.”
Statistics support PriceLocal’s appeal to shoppers. Research from Boston Consulting Group shows that 79% of consumers strongly value same day possession of their purchases, and recent research from American Express shows that 93% of shoppers believe it’s important to support local businesses.
“By helping shoppers find the products they want at a local store willing to match the Amazon price, PriceLocal turns the corrosive ‘showrooming’ trend on its head and drives consumers back into local stores, where retailers can capitalize on their strengths – providing great service and putting products in shoppers’ hands today,” added Chosid.
Shoppers start their search at www.getpricelocal.com. After installing PriceLocal for Chrome, Firefox or Safari on their desktop or laptop and finding a product on Amazon, users click the ‘PriceLocal’ button, sending a price match request to participating local stores. If a local store has the item and is willing to match the Amazon price, shoppers get a coupon for the item at that price, which they can print out or show on their phone when they go to the store.
Retailers sign up at www.getpricelocal.com/retailers/sign_up. After signing up, PriceLocal retailers receive Amazon Prime price match requests from local shoppers, which they can turn into foot traffic with the PriceLocal mobile web app for retailers.
To avoid any confusion over comparing prices with and without shipping charges, PriceLocal works with Amazon Prime products only, where the shipping charge is “free.” Neither retailers nor shoppers need to be members of Amazon Prime to use PriceLocal.
After a wildly successful pilot in Ann Arbor, Michigan last year and expansion into Minneapolis, Charlotte and Austin last week, PriceLocal remains free for both consumers and retailers nationwide.
ABOUT PRICELOCAL
PriceLocal is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based online service that connects local stores with local consumers to deliver value to both. Amazon and Amazon Prime are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. PriceLocal is not affiliated with Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. For more information, visit www.getpricelocal.com.
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