Groupon Is Gunning To Be the Next Gilt Groupe

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Groupon, the daily deals site that recently fired its CEO, launched a new online reservations system called Groupon Reserve yesterday. With it, the company hopes to share space in the luxury market with Gilt Groupe starting with fancy restaurants. High-end salons, spas, hotels, etc. are soon to follow.

The whole Groupon model has been questioned ad infinitum by businesses that offer services on the daily deals site, so it'll be interesting to see whether luxury will offer a more successful alternative. It'll also be interesting to see if the luxury-seeking customer will purchase upscale experiences from a company whose mascot is a giant stuffed cat who resides in a space ship.
· Groupon Eyes Luxury Market With Reserve [Fast Company]
· 5 Ridiculous Quotes From an Interview With Mister Groupon Cat [Racked]
· Gilt's $450 Steel Starbucks Cards Sold on eBay for $1,001 [Racked]