Winnipeg bargain hunters crazy for Groupons

It’s saved Winnipeg consumers more than $90,000, and hundreds of people joined up this week alone to get in on the bargains.

It’s an online coupon club called Groupon, and in a city with an eye for savings, it’s really catching on.

"I’ve bought probably $100 worth, and I’ve saved $400," says Nancy Harkema, a Winnipegger, addicted to the Groupon deals.

The concept is simple. Once a day, a local business offers a product or service at an extreme discount, and as long as enough people sign up to buy it, the group is on and the discount coupon is emailed to you.

Since launching in Winnipeg in October, more than 35,000 Winnipeggers have joined Groupon.

For businesses and consumers, it’s a real win-win.

"This is a way for us to expose our product to more people at a lower price point," says Pierre Coutu, with Diana’s Gourmet Pizzeria.

The eatery say nearly 800 people buy it’s Groupon, and a third that have been redeemed come from new customers.

Exposure is the real pay off for businesses, especially seasonal ones like Woodcock Cycle Works, which isn’t typically known as a ski store.

Thanks to Groupon, dozens have purchased ski rentals at half price.

And what deal hungry Winnipegger can resist half price savings during the holidays?

For those eager for more, Groupon says they already have two months worth of Winnipeg deals ready to serve up.

To learn more, log on to http://www.groupon.com/winnipeg .