Groupon Saves Chicagoans $100,000 in First Three Months
Chicago-based start-up offers jaw-dropping discounts, helps consumers weather recession in style
February 10, 2009
CHICAGO, IL - Groupon, the increasingly popular deal-a-day website, proudly announces that it has saved Chicago consumers $100,000 since its November 2008 launch. By using the power of group purchasing, Groupon offers one deal each day on Chicago’s best goods, services and culture – including meals at fine restaurants, tickets to top-notch theatrical productions, spa packages, and more. Discounts typically exceed 50%, in some instances saving purchasers hundreds of dollars.
“Despite the current economic climate, Groupon is growing quickly by offering a win-win situation to consumers and businesses,” says Groupon founder Andrew Mason. “Consumers receive huge deals on the best Chicago has to offer, and participating businesses experience an explosion of business thanks to the promotional help, guaranteed sales, and exposure that Groupon provides.” Featured businesses benefit from Groupon’s positive, entertaining write-ups, and the site’s social networking and outreach activities. Participating Groupon customers receive deals only if a certain number of people join each day. Because of Groupon’s rapidly growing popularity, an overwhelming majority of campaigns are successful, with participating businesses far surpassing their Groupon targets.
Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli, a Chicago institution, recently agreed to offer a $15 gift certificate for only $5 through Groupon if at least 35 people signed up for the discount. The offer far exceeded expectations, bringing Manny’s a total of 500 customers. “On the date of our feature, Manny’s was the talk of the East Bank Club!” says Manny’s owner Ken Raskin. “It was a pleasure working with Groupon, and we’ll definitely work with them again. The only complaints came from those who didn’t visit the site in time to buy their Groupon!”
Customers rave about Groupon’s discounts, which are sometimes jaw-dropping. “Groupons let me indulge my desire to get out and try new places in Chicago, and help me save big bucks in the process,” writes Jennifer, a Groupon user and reviewer on Yelp.com. “The incredible deals and witty copy on the Groupon site keep me coming back for more on a daily basis! Be careful; this stuff is totally addicting!” Creativa Vita, a locally owned photography studio, recently launched their business using Groupon, offering a session package worth $500 for only $30, saving customers a staggering $470. “In these tough economic times, consumers and businesses need all the breaks they can get,” Mason says. “We’re glad to do our part.”
About Groupon
Groupon has been economically stimulating Chicago since November 2008 by offering an unbeatable daily deal on the best stuff to do in Chicago. Groupon is a project of The Point, an online community launched in 2007 for organizing group action. For more information, visit Groupon.
Contact: Andrew Mason groupon@thepoint.com or 312-676-5773
