Walmart Buys Social Calendar for Data - The UpStream

Walmart Buys Social Calendar for Data

posted Saturday Mar 17, 2012 by Scott Ertz

Walmart Buys Social Calendar for Data

Walmart, the world's largest everything it would seem, has been feeling the push to get involved in the social craze. For a retailer, such as Walmart, the reason to want to get involved is the same as Google's reasons: data. There is no better way to find out about your customers than to spy on their online usage.

In an attempt to gain access to people's information, Walmart has purchased Facebook app Social Calendar. Anyone who uses Facebook knows about Social Calendar - we have all received invitations from more than one friend to add our birthday to their calendar. With access to everyone's birthday and who their friends are, Walmart now has the ability to remind you with more than just Facebook birthday cards; you could now be reminded to send a gift from Walmart.com.

How can they pull this off? Hit the break to find out.

This isn't Walmart's first push into the Facebook world. Walmart also owns and operates Shopycat, which analyzes your friends' likes and suggests gifts for them. Combine those features with the knowledge of when your friends are having birthdays and you end up with a great way for Walmart to own social shopping.

If you are unhappy with this transition of ownership, there is good news; you have a little bit of time to get out before Walmart takes over completely. According to Social Calendar's website,

On March 9, 2012, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. ("Walmart") completed its purchase of Newput Corporation's Social Calendar products, services and website. We remain committed to providing the highest level of service that you have come to expect with Social Calendar. Your service with Social Calendar will continue without any interruptions, and you will be notified in the future of any material updates or changes to your service.

As of April 9, 2012, the Walmart Privacy Policy will apply to your use of Social Calendar products, services and websites.

So, just under a month to get out if you don't want Walmart to own your friends' birthday information. If you're not worried about it, then continue to enjoy your Social Calendar and the enhancements that Walmart is bound to bring.

Is this a good move for Walmart or is this just going to freak out users of Social Calendar? Let us known in the comments.

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