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June 19, 2006

Amazon And Toys R Us Fight, Make Babies Cry

A while ago, I mentioned that Kat and I had set up a Baby Registry over at Amazon.com...which was partnered with Babies R Us. All fine and well when it comes to outfitting L'il Tim with the finest of big box retailed goods (and in all actuality, when it comes to buying stuff I have no idea about...various creams, pumps, swaddling bonnets, and oscillating soothing devices...Babys R Us seemed like the easiest option).

Now, when you go to our registry, 90% of the items have the helpful message:

This item is currently not available.

This wouldn't really be a big deal besides the fact that none of the things we want can now be purchased online...but also, it seems this is the fallout from a "divorce" between Amazon.com and Babies R Us parent company, Toys R Us. Seems the two had a messy split back in March...and failed to mention ANY of this to anyone who, oh, say, sets up a baby registry.

Amazon has informed us that Babies R Us will be setting up their own online registry "probably in early July," which is fantastically well timed...if by well-timed I mean a month before the due date. Also, everything this still available in-store, for what that is worth.

Kat just called Babies R Us to get the story from them:

Kat: so according to BRU, their website is going live July 1
Kat: when i asked what that address would be, she said "everything would be exactly the same"
Kat: to which i said, currently babiesrus.com redirects to amazon...
Kat: and she said, right, the registry would be at babiesrus.com
Kat: which annoys me, as that is not "exactly the same"
Kat: and, "you'll be getting some emails about the transition"
Kat: to which i said, "essentially, after the transition"

...and...
Kat: and, as the customer service rep reminded me, "they can always call us & place a phone order"
Kat: who the hell places phone orders?

Clampants | June 19, 2006 09:07 AM