Booksellers association asks Justice Dept. to look into online price wars

Trade association asks for probe of book price war

NEW YORK — A trade organization wants the government to look into the price war among online booksellers.

The American Booksellers Association sent a letter Thursday to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking for an investigation into the cost-cutting race among Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Target.com. The price war has resulted in hardcovers such as Sarah Palin’s “Going Rogue” being offered for under $9.

The booksellers association fears that such prices are “devaluing the very concept of the book” and make it impossible for smaller stores to compete.

Some smaller stores, however, have said that they’re not concerned about the price competition. They say it affects the most commercial books, which are less vital to independent stores than they are to discount clubs and superstore chains.

“We are committed to providing our customers with low prices, and our online book announcement demonstrates that commitment,” said Daphne Davis Moore, a spokeswoman at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. “We always work to comply with applicable law.”