Google, Wal-Mart Part Ways Over Local Shopping Ads

Wall Street Journal: The relationship between Google and Wall-Mart Stores has frayed over the data used to lure shoppers into stores. Last summer, Wal-Mart signed up for a Google advertising service that shows shoppers where specific products are available at nearby stores. Less than a month later, the retailer pulled out over concerns about sharing store inventory and pricing data with Google. The episode highlights tension between Google and big retailers, who worry the Internet giant is muscling in on their relationships with customers.