The Hottest Trend in E-commerce? M&A

http://adage.com/article/digital/hottest-trend-e-commerce-mergers-acquisitions/227807/

Still, mobile has sidled up to the in-store experience as a shopping aid or way for customers to find products or services in proximity. That's why ^*eBay snapped up barcode-scanning app Red Laser, after consumers flocked to the app to price-compare in stores. Then eBay scooped up location-based service Where, which helps consumers find the products and services closest to where they're standing. Groupon, which popularized daily group deals, has also begun making moves toward a mobile app. After acquiring mobile developer Mob.ly last year, it's since launched Groupon Now. The app helps consumers find activities or meals in an instant when they, say, walk out the door of their office, looking for a lunch spot. Groupon has also purchased an early Foursquare competitor, Whrrl, to layer customer loyalty into its mobile services.