Groupon is an American global e-commerce marketplace founded in 2008 by Andrew Mason in Chicago, Illinois. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ and connects subscribers with local merchants by offering discounted deals on activities, travel, goods, and services. Groupon has served over 200 million subscribers worldwide and works with over 500,000 merchants across 15 countries.
Groupon's marketplace features deals across categories including local experiences, travel getaways, restaurant dining, spa and beauty services, fitness classes, and a Goods section offering discounted products in electronics, home, fashion, and more. The platform uses a time-limited deal model that creates urgency and drives volume for participating merchants. Groupon offers a refund policy that varies by deal type, with most Goods purchases eligible for return within 30 days. The platform accepts multiple payment methods and frequently offers additional promotional codes for extra savings.