Facebook introduced today a feature that will allow retailers and other merchants to offer coupons and special deals through its mobile application.
Places on the iPhone already lets you share where you are and find nearby friends. You also can access Places from touch.facebook.com if your mobile browser supports HTML 5 and geolocation.
Now with the iPhone 3.3 application, you can also find nearby deals from nearby businesses. A yellow icon indicates a deal is available nearby. Users can then use the application to “check in” at the store or restaurant and show their phone’s screen to an employee to claim their deal.
Facebook also plans to work with nearly two dozen major chains like H&M, 24-Hour Fitness and McDonalds for special offers. But eventually all merchants and small businesses with a Facebook Places page will be able to offer deals.
Deals are only available from Places in the U.S, for now. To start, the new feature is available only through the Facebook iPhone application. Android users can find local deals through a dedicated mobile Web site (touch.facebook.com).
