Problem: If I want a particular product, I can find it on the web. I can order it on the web. If I want it now or if I want to see it physically, I need to check with local stores. I can find local (near my zip code) stores on the web, but I can't tell who has the product I want.

Old solution: I have an antique device called a telephone. I can call local stores and ask if they have the product in stock. They have modern databases. The person at the store can look up the product and tell me whether they have it in stock. They can even tell me what section of the store will have it. Or they can tell me that they don't have it in stock but a nearby branch does have it. A quaint (but expensive) system for accessing the store's database.

Modern solution: Expose the inventory list in the database to search engines. Let (or pay) Google to provide local searches that include product searches by store. It could include price and other descriptive information if the store wanted to.

Added value: Pay Google to report the search frequency by product and zip code. Use that information in managing inventories, in marketing, and in-store displays.

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