Offline retailers allowing consumers to go online to finish back offline

Though at first blush it seems that offline retailers would hate the ability to price compare in stores, that are actually smart about it and opening up their databases. They know that too often people come into the stores to touch and feel an object to buy, only to go home to find the cheapest price. I know from experience: now, if you are able to check in store that you are getting a good price, you will buy it right then and there for the convenience and immediacy (if the in store price is equal to or only greater than the online price by $5 or less). Though offline retailers will lose a few sales due to the technology, they will gain on the whole as people complete the transaction in their stores.

Mobile Phones Become Essential Tool to Holiday Shopping - NYTimes.com