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Google Goes Local for Window Shopping with Scannable Store Window Decals

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fp1Writing a post about Google and Window shopping on some level just seems schizophrenic when you’re typing Google and Window over and over given the search wars currently underway. But onto the post.

Google is getting heavy into local search and wants to help you use your mobile phone to do some window shopping. They’ve identified over 100,000 of the most searched for businesses in the US and sent each of them scannable window decals. The idea is that as you’re doing your window shopping you whip out your mobile phone (Phone, Android-powered phones, BlackBerry and others) scan the decal and you can go to the store’s web page, find out if any coupon deals are available, or reviews. The Google Blog lists the apps that work with various cell phones (the one of the iPhone, Quickmark, is free for a limited time as part of a promotion for this launch) and fills you in on more of the details.

This is a big play by Google into local search. Supposedly those over 100,000 businesses are located in 9000 towns and cities so this looks like it will be a widespread roll out, with Google promising to periodically release additional decals to additional businesses. Businesses can also go to Google’s Local Business Center if they weren’t selected in the first round and claim their business.

So, here’s a question for you, GBM Readers, how many of you use mobile search functionality when you’re out and about shopping? I know I use Shopsaavy and RedLaser on my iPhone to check prices now and again. What about you? Do you see this as a boon to your window shopping chores?

(Video after the jump)


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