Groupon, a shopping website that offers a daily deal on the best local goods, services, and cultural events in more than 300 markets around the world, launched in Columbus, Georgia last week.

“With its diverse collection of museums, shopping, entertainment venues, and attractions, Columbus is a great match for the Groupon model,” says Rob Solomon, president and COO of Groupon. “We will offer residents unbeatable deals on the best things to do, eat, see, and buy in Columbus, while creating new revenue streams for top local businesses.”

Using the principles of collective buying, Groupon negotiates discounts with popular businesses, then subscribers get free daily emails alerting them to the deals. The deals are activated only when a minimum number of people agree to buy, encouraging subscribers to share the promotion with family and friends. By guaranteeing a large number of new customers, Groupon has created a powerful new marketing vehicle for local merchants. This innovative approach to e-commerce has brought millions of dollars in new revenue to local businesses while saving more than $900 million for subscribers across North America.

“Groupon brings buyers and sellers together in a fun and collaborative way,” Solomon says. “We offer the consumer a great deal they can’t get anywhere else and deliver the sales directly to the merchant.”

During its first week in Columbus, Groupon’s featured deals included a spa facial, history museum passes, and a cookie bakery. Upcoming deals include football tickets, bike rentals, and Tex-Mex cuisine. Columbus joins Atlanta and Augusta as Georgia’s third Groupon market.