You're never too big to go shopping. Leading online retailer Amazon.com
Terms of the deal aren't being publicly disclosed, but tech blog TechCrunch reports that it's an all-cash deal for $110 million. That's a pity, because Woot seemed headed for far greater things in its heyday.
The online liquidator has been selling marked-down wares -- one deal at a time -- for years. Our own Fool Seth Jayson was hoping the company would go public five years ago, but to no avail. Woot's clever descriptions, adrenaline-pumping deals, and active community helped carve out a budding e-tail empire that was part Overstock.com
Imitators quickly followed. Amazon broke in its Gold Box promotions. Blue Nile
However, the real raiders of Woot's model proved to be localized daily-deal upstarts. Groupon, LivingSocial, and other clones have grown popular during the economic downturn, providing city-specific deals on restaurants, spas, and leisure services. Market leader Groupon aims to mimic Woot's edgy tone in writing up its markdowns.
Fortunately for Woot and its playful corporate culture, Amazon has proven to be a "hands-off" acquirer. It has let Zappos and Audible operate as independent subsidiaries, and the same fate should await Woot. The newly acquired company will remain in Texas, half a country away from Amazon.com itself.
Without knowing Woot's most recent financial performance -- or confirmation of Amazon's price -- we don't know whether Amazon got a Woot-worthy deal here. However, Amazon's ability to once again latch on to a hip retailer that is passionate about what it does is clearly a good thing.
What should Amazon.com buy next? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
