Google is launching an attack on Groupon. According to Search Engine Land, Google is reportedly developing Google Offers, a clone of Groupon. The news of Google's new initiative was reported by Mashable.
Google didn't take kindly to Groupon's rejection of its acquisition offer. Several months ago, the Mountain View company offered $6 billion to acquire Groupon, but Google was surprisingly met with a firm refusal.
Evidently, the idea behind Groupon is highly appealing within Google, enough so to create a “clone.” When contacted by Search Engine Land, Google responded:
Google is working with small businesses to bring them into a pilot program for prepaid deals/vouchers. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort at Google to build new products, like the recent Offer Ads Beta, that connect businesses with customers in new ways. We don't have any further information to share at this time, but we'll keep you updated.
It's no longer news that Google is venturing into commercial initiatives. However, this development is somewhat surprising given Google's typically innovative approach, often touching on social aspects. Certainly, a group buying model à la Groupon can be considered a social initiative, but as Francesco Astolfi points out on his blog, Groupon itself is no longer that “social.” Perhaps because “social” is “good and right” but doesn't resonate with economic interests? We can only wait and see what Google's new “creation” will be, which might be a success even if born from a “copy-paste” mentality.
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