Groupon, a shopping website that offers a daily deal on the best local goods, services and cultural events in more than 500 markets around the world, expands its presence across Georgia with the recent launches of its Macon, Albany and Athens markets.

“Groupon continues to expand the reach of social commerce,” said Rob Solomon, president and chief operating officer of Groupon. “We're excited to bring our new Georgia subscribers unbeatable deals from the best businesses in their cities while creating new streams of revenue for local merchants.”

Using the principles of collective buying, Groupon negotiates unprecedented discounts with popular businesses. Groupon subscribers get free daily emails alerting them to the deals. The deals are activated only when a minimum number of people agree to buy, encouraging subscribers to share the promotion with family and friends. By guaranteeing a large number of new customers, Groupon has created a powerful new marketing vehicle for local merchants. This innovative approach to e-commerce has brought millions of dollars in new revenue to local businesses while saving more than $1.5 billion for subscribers worldwide.

“Groupon brings buyers and sellers together in a fun and collaborative way,” said Solomon. “We offer the consumer a great deal they can’t get anywhere else and deliver the sales directly to the merchant.”

Macon, Albany and Athens consumers join Georgia subscribers in the Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah-Hilton Head markets currently enjoying Groupon deals, with statewide savings of more than $40 million to date.