Using Google Base

Google’s VP of global sales, Margo Georgiadis, is leaving GOOG to work for daily deals service provider, Groupon. Georgiadis managed the local and commerce businesses, running the businesses to provide services such as Checkout, Google Places along with product search. She will become Groupon’s Chief Operating Officer.

Google also launched their new “Offers” service. According to press releases, Offers promises 50% discounts on local goods and services via email. The service is available in New York, San Francisco, and Portland. Google says it will “partner with some of the best local businesses in your area to bring you great deals at 50% off or more.”

What will this launch mean for local search? Too early to tell, but to play there as a retailer you have to be willing to lose money on the Groupon or Offers deals in the hopes of gaining long term repeat customers.