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An Equilibrium Search Model Of Synchronized Sales

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  • James Albrecht
  • Fabien Postel‐Vinay
  • Susan Vroman

Abstract

We demonstrate the existence of periodic nonstationary equilibria with self‐generating cycles in a simple model of random search. Our results provide a theory of synchronized sales based on product market search by heterogeneous consumers. That is, our model explains how it can be optimal for all sellers to follow a repeated pattern of posting a high price for several periods and then posting a low price for one period.

Suggested Citation

  • James Albrecht & Fabien Postel‐Vinay & Susan Vroman, 2013. "An Equilibrium Search Model Of Synchronized Sales," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 54(2), pages 473-493, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:54:y:2013:i:2:p:473-493
    DOI: iere.12003
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    3. Greg Kaplan & Guido Menzio & Leena Rudanko & Nicholas Trachter, 2019. "Relative Price Dispersion: Evidence and Theory," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 11(3), pages 68-124, August.
    4. Kaldasch, Joachim, 2015. "Dynamic Model of the Price Dispersion of Homogeneous Goods," MPRA Paper 64723, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. James Albrecht, 2015. "Burdett-Judd Redux," 2015 Meeting Papers 985, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    6. Vincent Maurin, 2022. "Liquidity Fluctuations in Over‐the‐Counter Markets," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 77(2), pages 1325-1369, April.
    7. Hao Lan & Tim Lloyd & Wyn Morgan & Paul W. Dobson, 2022. "Are food price promotions predictable? The hazard function of supermarket discounts," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 73(1), pages 64-85, February.
    8. Greg Kaplan & Guido Menzio, 2015. "The Morphology Of Price Dispersion," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 56(4), pages 1165-1206, November.
    9. Greg Kaplan & Guido Menzio, 2013. "The Research Agenda: Greg Kaplan and Guido Menzio on the Macroeconomics of Bargain Hunting," EconomicDynamics Newsletter, Review of Economic Dynamics, vol. 14(2), November.
    10. Joachim Kaldasch, 2023. "The Price Distribution of Consumer Goods in Retail Markets," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(5), pages 52-58, September.

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