Groupon launches Basics with bulk deals on household items and essentials

Justin Kahn

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Groupon has been a popular destination to get deals on everything from electronics to local restaurants and apparel items for a while, and now the site has launched a new Basics category offering bulk deals on daily essentials.

As of Thursday, the Basics category offers users a Costco-like service on items such as vitamins, soap, deodorant, shaving cream, K-cups, tissue, lotions, household items, and many other things.

“We’re putting the bulk buying power of Groupon to work for our customers, helping them save on serious quantities of the things they buy and use every day –– all from the convenience of their home,” said senior VP of Groupon Goods, Aaron Cooper.

The new Basics category is available to anyone in the continental US, whether you are a new or existing Groupon user. The company is currently offering an introductory promotion which nets customers 5% back in Groupon Bucks to use towards future purchases on the site. The site has recently jumped its minimum free shipping spend from $19.99 to $24.99, but requires no membership fees like some brick and mortar bulk retailers.

There are only a small number of grocery items available in Groupon Basics right now, but the company said more are on the way. Amazon recently launched its own Prime Pantry store, but you won't find the bulk grocery items it appears Groupon hopes to offer in the future. Those who benefit from bulk purchases will likely find some nice bargains from the new Basics offerings, but for some, Amazon's option has more reasonable shipping fees and quantities.

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I thought Groupon was up against the ropes financially and just about ready to fold due to their losses?
 
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