Add this to the “Who would’ve thunk it?” file.
Let’s set the scene:
Last year, while scrolling down my Facebook homepage, I come across an ad featuring a succulent looking piece of sushi with a caption that read, “Save in Tampa Bay.” Intrigued, I clicked and was introduced to the wonder that is Groupon – a website that sends daily deals based on its users’ location. Items up for offer can include: coupons to stores, restaurants, and events.
This sounds to good to be true, right? Of course there is a catch, a certain amount of people have to agree to participate in purchasing this item in order for it to go “live.” Immediately sucked into this interesting little concept, I, along with plenty of other Tampa Bay Social Media users signed up and I’ve been hooked ever since. Then, as if overnight (but not so much), this small Internet-based company became a $1billion-plus company. To date, Tampa Bay isn’t alone in the craze (hence the over billion-dollar valuation), Groupon can be found in over 200 markets in 29 countries, according to the Huffinginton Post.
Groupon Goes National
On Thursday, August 19, I opened my email, as I do every day, to look at the daily Groupon deal. And much to my surprise, GAP was the deal! Spend $25 and get a $50 gift card to be used at any store. Naturally mayhem a phenomenon ensued. To date, this was the most successful Groupon offering, so successful the site crashed for a while. The end result: 445,000 Groupon vouchers were sold for a grand total of $11 million.
Groupon shouldn’t take all the credit for this happy Internet surprise. Gap has been working diligently to incorporate Social Media platforms into enticing consumers to visit, save and spend. They should be applauded for helping lay the groundwork for what should prove to be a wise-marketing move on their and Groupon’s part.
I’m not alone in my astonishment of Groupon going national, major news outlets on the Interwebs are buzzing quite loudly, such as:
Here’s a Little Bit About Groupon
“Launched in November 2008, Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in a variety of cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe and soon beyond (read: Space). We have more than 300 people working in our Chicago headquarters, a growing office in Palo Alto, CA, as well as local account executives in many cities.” To read more about Groupon, visit their About Us page.
Have any of you purchased a Groupon, yet? We’d love to get your feedback!
