What about your Costumers?

A recent article on the NYT welcomes thanksgiving week and the long awaited Black Friday. It tells the story of a battle between entrepreneurial databases and large chains.

The reason for this battle is what I like to call the market of information.

Black Friday, a day when stores are packed and prices are low. Sales are high and so are savings. Seems like a win-win situation, but who deserves the biggest winnings?

Database sites that compile Black Friday prices from different chains ahead of time are being attacked for doing so. According to Wal-Mart its sales-price data are “protected by copyright and other laws.”

In conclusion Wal-Mart is freaking out. Their prices are being leaked to the competition and shoppers have access to information that allows them to compare prices.

Now, let’s take a little break.

Think about it Wal-Mart. Do you want another group of people thinking you are a big bully? One thing is having the organic, fair wages, local store supporters mad at you. After all they were never your customers but alienating your core customers is just plain stupid.

You of all chains know the wonders of economics. Low prices have helped you all these years. You have a distribution system that is envied. You have used the rules of microeconomics and capitalism to your advantage, but you whine and cry when the principles of economics are used against you.

One of the first things we learn about economics is the importance of information in the creation of an efficient and competitive market. This is exactly what these website are doing. There is no copyright protection over prices. Let your customers compare prices. Win them over fair and square. Stop bullying people who are just helping your customers.

Copyright protection for sale prices? Seriously. Your size is intimidating but in my opinion you have to come up with better arguments.