Facebook’s Place Deals launches in the UK today, offering users discounts and freebies at various cafes, shops and leisure services using their smartphones.
The scheme, which was launched in the US in November, rewards users for ‘checking in’ at various locations using the Places app on their iPhones.
Businesses to join the UK scheme include Starbucks, which is offering users a free coffee when they check in today, and Yo Sushi, where the first 1,000 users to check in can receive a free dish.
Alton Towers is giving free access to anyone checking in on 18 February and Debenhams, Argos, Benetton and H&M have also all signed up to offer deals.
Joanna Shields, Facebook’s EMA vice president, said: “We all love a bargain so whether you’re on the lookout for a special offer at your favourite restaurant or tips from a fashionista friend about a discount on shoes in a department store, Facebook Deals will help you find it.”
Users will be able to locate each day’s offers by checking in to the Places app and browsing nearby businesses.
The scheme hopes to mimic the success of Groupon’s daily online deals combined with the location-based gaming of Foursquare.
To get the app on your iPhone visit www.facebook.com/deals.