Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has called on Amazon to end its controversial price check app promotion.
Last week Amazon unveiled a special discount for customers who use their new price comparison app–a way to scan prices at brick and mortar stores but buy on Amazon. Even though the tool only works on electronics, toys, sports, music, and DVDs, the American Booksellers Association attacked the promotion as well.
Here’s more from the senator: “Amazon’s promotion – paying consumers to visit small businesses and leave empty-handed – is an attack on Main Street businesses that employ workers in our communities. Small businesses are fighting everyday to compete with giant retailers, such as Amazon, and incentivizing consumers to spy on local shops is a bridge too far. I often tour Main Streets in cities and towns across Maine to speak directly with local business owners, and they have told me repeatedly that they rely on increased sales during the holidays to grow their businesses and create new jobs. Indeed, according to the latest NFIB Economic Trends Survey, small business owners listed ‘poor sales’ as the top problem they face.”
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to include the senator’s state and affiliation.
