Groupon announced the launch of a point-of-sale hardware solution for local businesses called Gnome. It would compete with Square Stand/Register.

According to the company, the tablet stand will enable merchants to instantly recognize Groupon customers as they enter the store, and let them redeem Groupons. The solution will integrate with accounting programs like QuickBooks and Exero, and offer CRM tools, including the ability to customize marketing campaigns based on purchase history, and share customer feedback on social media. It will also let businesses respond to customer inquiries/comments.

CEO Eric Lefkofsky said, ‘“Gnome is an amazing piece of technology that plugs our merchants into the Web and helps them form relationships with every customer that walks in their front door. When it’s complete, Gnome will serve as an operating system for merchants to run their entire operation and enable them to create real-time promotions that bring customers into their business when they need them the most.”

“Gnome is an important step towards our long-term mission of creating a world where merchants are constantly connected to the Groupon local commerce platform,” he added.

Groupon redemption happens automatically using bluetooth, or customers can be searched for by name, barcode, or voucher number. Customers won’t need to have printed vouchers.

It logs cash transactions, accepts credit and debit card payments, and prints or emails receipts. It also calculates multiple tax rates, manages menu items, lets you view transaction history, and enables you to issue refunds. It even comes with preloaded menus and inventory lists for popular types of businesses. Ir comes with 24/7 live support.

Gnome will roll out to “tens of thousands” of merchants in the coming months.

Image via BusinessWire