Part of my career was spent working with inventory control systems, POS systems, etc. I wouldn't say it's trivial to set up an inventory system that will automatically update a corporate website with availability etc. But I will say that it is relatively easy now. There are companies in Calgary that specifically do this for business clients.
The ISSUE is that many companies, particularly small ones, don't like changing the way they are doing things or investing in live ICS/POS systems because they perceive the benefits as being outweighed by the cost/effort.
For a place like Gold's? Who knows if they pull in the cake to purchase and maintain these systems. Once they are set up they can be relatively simple to use.
The customer community is changing for all retail areas from shopping in big malls, box stores etc. to online shopping. The free shipping most customers get when online shopping in the US has really given it a shot in the arm.
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