Google launched a feature for businesses that want to target customers based on location. Marketers will be able to place photos and logos inside balloons that pop up on Google maps exactly where the merchants are located.
If you search for "New York books" and "Ralph Lauren New York" on Google Local, you will find some small icons on the map that represent a coffee cup, a shopping bag, a grocery cart, a flower or something related to the business. If you click on the link, you'll see more information about the place, the address, driving directions, the site.
Related:
Google Local ads
Google Local Mobile
Windows Live Local
Google AdWords Blog