US mobile payments firm GoPago has been acquired by Amazon according to an interview given by co-founder and CTO Vincenzo Di Nicola (pictured) to La Repubblica, a deal that raises questions about the online giant’s payments strategy.

GoPago, which is based in San Francisco, offers a tablet-based point-of-sale system to merchants. It is most popular with restaurants and cafes. The system is cloud-based and upgrades via Verizon Wireless’ LTE network.

However, what seems most interesting about GoPago’s system is its mobile app which enables a consumer to place an order via their mobile device before arriving to collect it in-store.

It is unclear how Amazon might use GoPago’s technology. Historically, it has positioned itself as a rival to bricks-and-mortar merchants.

In contrast, other internet giants, such as PayPal and Apple, are eager to be the friend of embattled retailers, for instance with the recent introduction of Bluetooth-enabled marketing technology.

It is unclear whether this new purchase by Amazon signals a change of strategy regarding traditional merchants.

Certainly, Amazon has been less active than others in physical payments when increasingly it appears the online and offline worlds are merging into one.

GoPago’s service launched in April 2012.

Di Nicola did not reveal the price paid by Amazon. According to the report, GoPago’s 70 staff will transfer to Amazon, although Di Nicola is thinking of returning home to Italy.