Abstract: A server receives a request from a first application to search for retail availability of a specific item near a defined location. The defined location may be provided by the user, of determined by the server. The server performs a search for the specific item in a database storing data records for a plurality of items, wherein the data records are populated by users of the first application. Each data record includes a unique identifier, an item type, a item sub-type, an item description, a retail outlet where the item is available, and the number of likes for the item at particular retail outlets, as posted by other users for the item at the retail outlet. The server generates search results as a list of different retail outlets ranked in descending order by the number of likes for the specific item at those different retail outlets.

Abstract: A system and method that enables users to expeditiously search for specific items features: 1) the geographic location of the user or the geographic area in which the user is searching; 2) the specific type of item desired; and 3) the ranking of the quality of the item based upon other user's ranking. The method is based on a three step process involving: 1) the user typing the desired item to be searched from a web based or mobile device which detects the user's location or geographic area being searched; 2) a list of similar items being populated for that geographic area in sequential order based on user preferences and the popularity of other users and paid advertisement by entities and individuals; and 3) upon clicking on the selected item the user can then obtain directions or obtain the contact information of the entities selling the selected item.