Amazon Ire
Having already raised the ire of a number of states and bricks and mortar stores by playing hardball on sales tax issues, Seattle-based Amazon has caused another major upset by giving users of its new price check app (available through iTunes and the Android Market) a 5% credit (up to $5) on up to three items scanned in a store but purchased on Amazon. The offer is good today only. Although Amazon's new promotion doesn't apply to books, Third Street Books in McMinnville, OR is responding by declaring today "Ditch Amazon Day." People bringing proof of a closed Amazon account to Third Street Books will receive 15% off a single item and a $5 gift certificate to the store plus $5 in pizza bucks from Third Street Pizza (details available on the bookstore's Facebook page). Bookworks in Albuquerque, NM is offering a similar deal with 15% off most items sold. Diesel Bookstores in California are taking a different tactic--giving away Occupy Amazon coasters and buttons. The American Booksellers Association also issued a response in the form of an open letter to Amazon's CEO (full text here) stating they are "disappointed."
