Lately we’ve been hearing more and more about Real-Time Search but what about Real-Time Inventory or Real-Time Local Shopping? There is local product search engine called Milo.com that is becoming more prominent in the search space. This type of search is perfect for those of us that wait until the very last minute to do our shopping, whether it’s for birthdays or anniversaries. What is excellent about this search engine, is that it not only tells you what stores carry a particular item, but it also tells you if the item is in stock or not. It doesn’t stop there either.
When you first enter Milo.com, it looks a lot like any other search engine or shopping site where you have the ability to enter in a query. It also allows you to enter in a zip code or city to give your search an even better advantage. What is great about this is the fact that it tells you the current inventory and a listing of store locations nearest to the location you entered in the search box. It also acts as a personal shopper by providing ideas under “Gifts for Her,” “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Family” and “Gifts for Kids.” Near the bottom of the homepage, you can also select popular searches, popular pages, check out the product directory and even shop by state. You can even shop by category, such as Electronics, or my favorite, Shoes!
I decided to do a search for “Pumas,” and entered in my zip code. As it was thinking, it showed the various stores that carried them while checking the inventory and when the data was complete. I found the Puma shoes that I was interested in and clicked to get the scoop. I was then able to check the local store listing for availability. Once I clicked the details button, it showed that there was only one location in town that carries that particular shoe. It gives you the store address and phone number, but it also gives you the ability to buy online. This is GREAT! Now, I know that there are other stores in town that do carry this shoe, however Milo.com currently is pulling inventory data from 28 major retailers. Some retailers include Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Target, to name a few.
With Milo.com, you can check out what is in stock, compare prices with the stores around town and you can even check out reviews from other buyers. This search engine is continuously growing, adding “an average of 185,000 products a month,” according to their website.
In a recent blog post on Mediapost, it went into detail why Google will buy Milo.com. According to the author Laurie Sullivan, if Google were to obtain them, it would give Google Products the technology to do what Milo.com is already doing. This is the ability to shop online and check product inventory availability at the actual local brick and mortar store. Read the full story here.
It will be interesting to watch how much this search engine will grow and if Google does in fact acquire Milo.com. If you get the chance, check out Milo.com. Now, I’m hooked and ready to go shopping!
