Google Search Retail Stock In Real Time
Consumers may be able to Google search the stock levels of a retail store with the Alphabet run company acquiring Pointy, a company that allows store stock to be made publicly available.
Announced via its blog, Google claims the acquisition is a continuation of its commitment to helping small businesses online.
Pointy is attached to a barcode scanner or is installed directly into the point of sale (POS) system, which will then allow merchants to display their inventory data on Google.
For free the Pointy system can be integrated into several POS systems like Square, or for a one-time $1299 installation fee Pointy can be added to older systems.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, Pointy has been used in thousands of local Irish retailers.
Designed to integrate with the Google ‘See What’s In Store’ service, shoppers will no longer arrive in-store only to find a product sold out.
The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks as it is currently subject to closing conditions.