REI Runs First-Ever National Google 'Offer'

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The first national Google Offers campaign launched this morning, as outdoors gear retailer REI is running a $25-for-$15 deal. The vouchers can be redeemed at the brand's 100-plus stores or at REI.com.

Google Offers is only live as a local merchants deals platform in 17 markets. But today's deal is available for all cities that Google plans on entering - around 40 - as a local player in the coming weeks.

"For instance, even though we aren't offering local deals in Oklahoma City today, people there can get the REI deal" and redeem it online or at a brand store, a Google rep told ClickZ News this morning.

Mountain View, CA-based Google's move comes one day ahead of Groupon's expected IPO announcement. Groupon, based in Chicago, is the clear-cut leader in the deals space, despite experiencing a tumultuous 2011 in social media.

While Google hasn't released subscriber numbers for Google Offers, it's probably not out of the question that the digital giant - because of its superb online reach - has already jumped into the No. 3 spot behind LivingSocial. Google Offers launched only five months ago in Portland, OR.