Editor's Note: Quick, Read THIS NOW!

* Group buying site LivingSocial last month expanded into an additional 25 new markets in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

There seems to be a trend here. But what's in it for retailers? While some wonder whether the Groupon/Gap deal was a boon for Gap (after all, customers got their merchandise at low cost, and who knows if they'll be back again to buy more), I believe it's a positive for the apparel retailer. After all, it created great word-of-mouth marketing and got people into its stores. What do you think? Let me know by dropping me a line at mcampanelli@napco.com.