Google Offers Printable Coupons for Local Retailers

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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

Okay, so now put down that mouse. It's time to go shopping brick and mortar style.

The world's top Internet search engine, Google, has announced it will be offering customers printable discount coupons to local retailers. It's an incentive for using Google's map service. The only hitch: once you get your coupon you have to leave your web behind and go to the actual store.

STEVE INSKEEP, host:

Google announced yesterday that it has partnered with Valpak, the top U.S. supplier of coupon advertising, to provide coupons that correspond to local neighborhood maps.

Valpak will provide more than 20,000 coupons from its current advertisers, and Google also plans to encourage small businesses to create their own discount coupons. The coupons can be printed out directly from a computer and redeemed at a local store.

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