Earlier this week Facebook expanded its shopping discount service called ‘Facebook Deals’ to Canada and five European countries including the UK.
This move comes as part of Facebook’s drive to help brands communicate with its exceptional user base.
Facebook deals which is already available in the United States, offers Facebook users deals in participating retail stores, while allowing companies to promote themselves in user’s news feeds.
By logging on to Facebook places on their mobile phones users will be able to see what deals are currently available in their area.
If the user finds a deal at their current location then they will simply have to sign in on Facebook places and then they will receive a coupon on their phone. Once they have received the coupon users will then be able to show to the shop to receive their gift.
In return for offering the deals companies are able to post a note on the user’s wall, which publicizes the deal to the users friends.
Joanna Shields, head of Facebook operations in Europe, explained to a news conference in London. She said: ”That amplification means exponential connection to consumers.”
Preliminary companies to join this scheme in the UK include Starbucks, who are introducing the scheme to the UK by offering their first 30,000 customers checking in on Facebook Places a free coffee. Sushi chain, Yo Sushi, GAP clothing store and McDonalds are also taking part in the initiative.
The rational behind Facebook deals is the belief that by offering deals, Facebook users will be more willing to broadcast their location. Not only will this encourage users to adopt their location-based service, it can also open new publicity channels for the companies involved.
From the start of this week Facebook deals became available in Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Canada. However, Faceboook have made their intentions clear; that they intend to make the product universal in the future.
