Facebook widens new Discount Shopping Deals

Facebook users will be able to cash in on special shop discounts and deals in cafes and restaurants with a new mobile phone feature The service, named Places Deals, is designed to log someone's location and then find bargains in their local area which can be shared with online friends.

Starbucks, Debenhams and Argos are among a host of brands which have developed offers in conjunction with the social networking site. The application, part of Facebook Places, was launched in the US in November.

From this week, rewards will also be available in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.Each special offer will be unique to Facebook users. Joanna Shields, vice president of the company in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, said: "Facebook is built around people and sharing personal experiences and Deals is a great extension of this.

"By bringing valuable and relevant offers to you wherever and whenever you want them, Deals delivers a powerful experience that combines technology and location in a way that a pure online or offline experience could never deliver."

Yesterday, users could benefit from a free filter coffee at Starbucks. During the next few weeks, there will be offers from Debenhams, Argos, Alton Towers, Benetton, Mazda, O2, and YO! Sushi (Scotsman).