By Rachel Newman
· Best Buy says the more the merrier, when it comes to their website. Electronics giant Best Buy announced this week that it will allow third-party vendors to sell their merchandise on the Best Buy website, creating an Amazon-esque atmosphere. The store’s website will undoubtedly gain authority in their realm, create better customer relations and, most importantly, drive most if not all electronics-based traffic to their website. What do you think – is this a brilliant idea?
· Vegans rejoice and proclaim “No shark fin soup for you!” Recent legislation, known as the California Shark Protection Act, is cracking down on those who buy, sell, trade and eat shark fins (a delicacy specific to the Chinese community). The Protection Act is looking specifically at shark fins because of the harsh way in which they are harvested, while other groups who use and produce shark artifacts or merchandise are still under the radar. The California State Legislature will vote on the act next week. For more information, visit the CNN website.
· Google gives Zagat a 27 out 30 rating and acquires the decades-old company. In an effort to strengthen their ratings system, Google acquired Zagat this week. Zagat, for those who have forgotten, was a pioneer in rating businesses – the company uses consumer reviews and opinions to rate retail and nightlife in cities across the country. Zagat, under the wings of Google, hopes to successfully combine and “optimize the potential of the Zagat Brand” and the resources that Google can provide. For more information, visit the Google Blog.
· Senators request Americans write love letters. As the Postmaster General announces the USPS’ dwindling funds and looming bankruptcy this week, United States senators brainstormed on ways to save the staple of American culture. While reduced workers and increased efficiencies were quickly considered, other senators suggested marketing campaigns to encourage Americans to write more often. To read more about the state of the USPS and plans for its protection, click here.
· Guess who’s Sprinting to the courthouse now. Number three cell phone carrier Sprint filed a suit against AT&T this week in an effort to block a merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. This lawsuit comes on the heels of a similar suit filed by the Department of Justice last week which sited the merger as antitrust. Sprint has spoken out to the FCC and the Senate previously about their vehement opposition to the merger, but their lawsuit is the first action the company has taken. AT&T shot back, claiming that Sprint’s lawsuit is only concerned with protecting the company’s bottom line, not protecting consumer interests. What do you think? Read more here.
