eBay will acquire Where Inc., a Boston-based company that gives users recommendations on dining, entertainment, exclusive deals and more, officials announced today.
Where, whose tagline is "Discover your next favorite place," provides real-time information about business and deals to recommend places to eat, drink, catch a show or a play and even get deals in a particular area. Users simply input a zip code and click the Search button.
eBay didn't disclose how much it will pay to acquire Where, but says the acquisition will "enhance the company's position in local and mobile commerce and deepen its ability to connect retailers with consumers."
More than 120,000 retailers use Where, which is similar to Yelp, to attract customers looking for recommendations, eBay reports. An estimated 4 million people use Where to find places to go.
"Local commerce companies like Where are blurring the lines between in-store and online shopping," notes Amanda Pires, senior director of PayPal's Global Communications team. "By giving people hyper-local, relevant retailer information and deals on their mobile phones, we see a huge opportunity for local merchants to reach more buyers, and for consumers to get more choice and value when they shop."
Pires adds that eBay will integrate PayPal with Where so that customers can take advantage of the deals retailers offer through Where.
"This announcement builds on the acquisition of Milo late last year, bringing even more great deals and value to consumers," Pires continues. "Since we don't compete with our merchants, we are in a unique position to partner with retailers of all sizes and help people shop and pay anytime, anywhere and in any way they want."
The acquisition is expected to close during this year's second quarter.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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