WHAT AMAZON IS DOING: It’s expanding its online local deals service, AmazonLocal, to several locations.
THE DETAILS: The service is coming to five neighborhoods in New York City, plus several cities including Charlotte, N.C., Austin, Texas, and Orlando, Fla. With the additions, AmazonLocal will be operating in 30 locations in 10 states.
THE COMPETITION: Amazon is trying to leverage its popularity as an online retailer. That said, the nascent, but fast-growing market is dominated by Groupon and LivingSocial. Amazon has an investment in the latter.