Come on, admit it-we all love a good deal. Especially when it’s as easy as whipping out the ol’ smart phone. Take a gander around RVA and you’ll quickly see that Richmond’s mobile mavens are not only playing with their gadgets but also looking to score some discounted goods in return.
“The rise of online shopping and social networking has allowed consumers to shop in groups,” opines Maire Griffin, Communications Director at LivingSocial.com, a social buying company that offers a new deal each day with the ability to snatch up a deal and show a digital coupon on the spot using a mobile device.
LivingSocial, along with platforms like Groupon, are leading the social shopping charge by finding new ways for consumers and merchants to interact with new products and shopping experiences. While the concept of group buying has been around in different forms for decades, the ability to download an app in order to have deals in your pocket has made it easier to get, share, and enjoy local perks.
“LivingSocial has on-the-ground experts working closely with local merchants to offer the perfect curated experience right in consumers’ backyards. From the cupcake shop down the street to the French bistro downtown-LivingSocial is all about providing consumers with rich experiences and quality deals so they can discover unique things to do in their neighborhood or the places they visit,” explains Griffin.
As a strong advocate for local merchants, LivingSocial uses a boots-on-the-ground strategy here in Richmond by calling upon a local sales team and freelance writers. Because they’re on the ground, LivingSocial has the ability to go into local businesses to get a feel for the type of deal that would or wouldn’t work.
Similarly, using Groupon in Richmond will deliver daily deals such as $5 for $10 worth of Mediterranean fare at Sticks Kebob Shop (1101 Groupons bought), $9 for $18 ultimate ticket combo at the Science Museum of Virginia (761 Groupons bought), and $15 for $30 tapas at Avalon Restaurant & Bar (203 Groupons bought).
As a result, Richmonders using platforms like Groupon and LivingSocial are enjoying discounts on local experiences while business owners gain access to an easy and cost-effective marketing tool.