Walmart.com and Target.com's decisions to offer big discounts on expected best sellers before they are in-stock has major ramifications for Amazon and others in the book business.
Sears doesn't want to get into a price competition with stronger competitors so it's taking a unique tack. It's encouraging consumers to buy cheap books from elsewhere and then come to the Sears website to receive a credit of up to $9 toward a purchase of $45 or more.
After buying an eligible book on the websites of either Amazon, Sears, Target or Walmart, consumers email their receipt to readamerica@customerservice.sears.com to get their discount.
"The $9 credit can be used at Sears.com on the purchase of any items, so it's like getting the books for free," said Imran Jooma, senior vice president for online at Sears Holdings, in a press release. "We believe this program will benefit the thousands of customers who buy books every day by putting more money into their pockets."
Discussion Questions: What do you think of the Sears.com program to "reward" consumers who make book purchases on other sites? Will this approach help Sears' price image? Does it make more sense for Sears.com than just lowering pre-order prices on expected best sellers itself?