Amazon Shutters Local Deals Service, Credit Card Processing Unit

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While it might seem like Amazon opens a new store or launches a different service every week, the e-commerce giant announced over the  weekend that it would actually close two units: one offering local deals and a small business credit card processing service. 

The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon will shutter its mobile credit card processing division – dubbed Local Register – on Feb. 1, and stop offering its daily-deals coupon unit – Amazon Local – starting Dec. 18.

The e-tailer didn’t specify why it chose to close the units, but a spokespersons said the company had “learned a great deal” from the services and “will look for ways to apply these lessons in the future.”

Local Register launched in August 2014 as a competitor for Square, PayPal and other mobile payment systems. The service was aimed at small business owners.

Amazon Local, which launched about four years ago, was meant to be a rival for services like Groupon and LivingSocial, offering customized coupons for local restaurants, spas and other businesses.

The closure of Amazon Local and Local Register comes just two weeks after the e-commerce company shuttered its hotel booking site just six months after it launched.

Amazon to Shutter Two Units, Including Daily-Deal Division Local [The Wall Street Journal]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist