Overview
Groupon is a US-based online marketplace for local experiences and deals, such as restaurants, beauty and wellness treatments, activities and travel, in North America and several European countries including the UK, Germany, France and Spain. It has also sold discounted physical goods, but it now focuses on local experiences. For most product brands, Groupon is a niche channel for promotions rather than a core sales channel.
Who is behind Groupon
Groupon was founded in Chicago in 2008 and is listed on Nasdaq. Under CEO Dusan Senkypl, it is in a multi-year transformation to become the trusted destination for quality local experiences. In 2025 its revenue was USD 498.4 million, and it had 16.2 million active customers, of whom 11.1 million in North America and 5.2 million internationally. Local billings grew strongly, while Groupon exited Italy in 2024 and sold its gift card business Giftcloud.
Goods are no longer the focus
Groupon has deliberately de-emphasised its Goods category. In its international business, goods billings fell 12% in 2025 and goods units fell 24%, while local experiences grew. Brands looking to sell physical products should keep this in mind.
How Groupon works for merchants
- Deals and vouchers. Merchants offer discounted deals that customers buy as vouchers on Groupon's website and app.
- Revenue share. Groupon keeps a share of each deal sold.
- Local focus. The platform is built around local businesses and experiences in each market.
What a brand should think about
- Fit. Groupon suits services and experiences better than physical products today.
- Margin and brand positioning, since deals are discount-driven.
- Purpose. For product brands, it can work for clearance or customer acquisition campaigns, if goods deals are still available in the relevant market.
How eBrands looks at Groupon
eBrands works with brands on marketplaces across Europe and North America and helps them focus on the channels that matter most. If you want to see whether a deals platform like Groupon fits your plans, we are happy to talk it through.
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