Local Small Businesses See Boost After Groupon Feature

Many El Pasoans are taking advantage of the big savings Groupon offers, but it’s also the businesses that see big boosts from the online coupon site.

Groupon has been around nationally since 2008, but has been offered in El Paso only for a little more than a year.

The site promotes local deals from small businesses of 50 percent off or more.

But it’s the advertising that caught the eye of new cupcake business owner Kerrie Giordano of Kupcakes by Kerrie.

“With it being a small business, you don’t have thousands of dollars to throw out on advertising. With Groupon, they do it so you can do the advertising with them but not actually pay for the advertising unless you actually have Groupons sold,” said Giordano.

That means businesses who are just starting out can gain city-wide exposure without the high cost of advertising.

With Giordano’s unique and sweet products like ”cake pops” and ”cupcake in a jar,” some consumers aren’t as likely to buy a product with which they aren’t familiar.

That’s where discounts and coupons come in. They help consumers not familiar with a product to try something new.

Giordano isn’t the only local business using the service. Kim Isham of Altiha’s Aesthetics was featured in Groupon last week and saw a spike in business.

“The economy is slower right now, so people are looking for deals. It’s good for both parties. It’s good for the client or the customer who is looking for a deal, and it’s good for the business to get more customers in the door and get more clients,” said Isham.

The deep discounts offered means less profit during the coupon period, but a one-time customer isn’t what these businesses are after.

They told us they believe in their products and services so much that they know their new fans will be coming back for more.

“I think that I have great cupcakes out there and once people try the flavors, they’re moist, they just love them. So I think just getting my name out there is my goal,” said Giordano.

Isham saw a big increase in her skincare services like facials and waxing. She has already seen repeat business from those who bought her Groupon last week.

Kupcakes by Kerrie is hoping for the same interest from customers she wouldn’t normally be able to reach. Her Groupon continues through the end of the weekend and can be purchased here. Her website features more information on her treats and can be found here.

If you would like more information about Isham’s skin service, visit this website.