NEW YORK (AP) ? Groupon is thinking locally. The online deals site is offering a $10 credit to the first 150,000 people who purchase a local Groupon by Dec. 24.
The offer looks like a response to a recent promotion by Amazon that critics said hurt brick-and-mortar businesses. Last Saturday, Amazon.com Inc. gave shoppers a $5 discount if they used its Price Check app inside retail stores to find lower prices on its website.
Groupon CEO Andrew Mason says the offer is not a jab at Amazon. Rather, he says it’s a symbolic gesture to show people they can both save money and support local businesses.
EBay Inc. is also weighing in. The company is giving people a $10 credit to shop in stores if they spend $100 online.
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Online: http://buylocal.groupon.com/holiday
