Wal-Mart Tests Group Deals

CAROL ANGRISANI

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — “Social shopping” is getting attention now that Wal-Mart Stores has entered the business.

The retailer is testing CrowdSaver, in which it advertises a specially priced item on its Facebook page. The deal is only good if the required number of Wal-Mart Facebook fans “like” the offer within a specified time period.

If the deal goes through, Wal-Mart posts a link on its Facebook page to where the discounted item can be ordered. The price applies to all Wal-Mart Facebook fans while supplies last. Orders ship for free to local stores.

“It is an application that allows Wal-Mart Facebook fans to vote and make our already low prices even lower,” according to Wal-Mart.

The first CrowdSaver item was for an Element 42-inch plasma television with wall mount for $398, down from $488. The deal required 5,000 “likes,” which was achieved in about 12 hours.

Another CrowdSaver item was for a Sony Portable DVD Player with Headphones, $69.99, down from $108.88. Lower-cost items have also been featured. One deal was for a personalized Halloween mug for $6, a 40% savings.

“We're putting you in charge of lower prices. If enough people ‘like’ this deal, we'll make it happen,” states Wal-Mart.

The launch of CrowdSaver comes at a time when collective buying websites are becoming more popular. One of the leaders is Groupon, which negotiates deals with businesses, and notifies subscribers about them. Users can then opt in to buy the deal. Each Groupon offer requires a minimum number of buyers. If the required number sign up, their credit cards are charged and they are sent a link to print a voucher. Groupon splits the profits with the retailer.