Local deal site offers big savings

Area bargain hunters took part in a new online deal program Tuesday, and they'll be tanner at a much lower cost because of it.

The Southeast Missourian website, in conjunction with the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce, launched a "Today's Deal" website that enables businesses to promote high-value discounts, helping them to draw in new customers and expand their customer base.

For consumers, the site offers great deals on local products and services.

The first business to use the site is Sun-Sations in Jackson. The business offered a $25 monthlong unlimited tanning package for only $10, a 60 percent savings. For the deal to go into effect -- or be "tipped" -- more than 10 people had to buy the offer online by midnight Wednesday. By noon Tuesday, however, more than enough people had purchased the deal to make it available. Now, the only question is whether the limited number will sell out before the deal closes and is no longer available.

"It's great," said Tina Burger, owner of Sun-Sations. "We're hoping to see people who have never visited us before. This will really help us expand our business clientele."

The Today's Deal format is similar to big-city programs like Groupon, said John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

"But it's local and at better rates for both the buyer and the merchant," he said. By consumers joining together for a minimum purchase of a product or service, they're able to gain bigger discounts than in a single purchase. "It's like a group buy."

To check the status of a deal or purchase, go to www.semissourian.com/deals, said Gera LeGrand, sales and development manager at the Southeast Missourian.

"Depending on consumer and business interest, we will be offering at least two deals per week," said LeGrand. "Already, deals are lined up for the next several weeks. Businesses are excited to try something innovative to acquire new customers. And, for consumers, it's a great way to try a product, service or store they might not have experienced before."

In addition to appearing on the semissourian.com website, the deals are shared via social media websites like Facebook. Consumers can also sign up to have the deals emailed to their inboxes. The Southeast Missourian will print a teaser about the latest deal on page three of the newspaper every Tuesday and Thursday.

LeGrand didn't want to reveal the next deal in advance. But she promised it would be another blockbuster savings for consumers.

"There's only a limited number of deals that we will offer each week," said LeGrand. "The rule is they must be high-value and likely to bring new customers into a store. That's win-win for everyone."