Google is offering discount vouchers to shoppers who locate a store using Google Maps.

Coupons are a popular way to promote shops and services in the US and Google hopes to attract small businesses that don't otherwise have a web presence.

Browsers can print a voucher they want and take it to the relevant shop. There are no plans for a mobile phone version because retailers have no secure way of dealing with such electronic vouchers, according to Reuters.

There is no charge for consumers or businesses using the service.

From later this year, Google will offer the service to businesses buying AdWords.

Google is working on the scheme with coupon provider Valpak.

More from the New York Times here. ®

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