Groupon South Africa is dead: here’s what will happen to your orders

Back in September 2015, Memeburn reported that ecommerce platform Groupon began shedding global offices in an effort to “make the business more efficient”. And while South Africa wasn’t a country affected back then, it is now.

Groupon South Africa today announced that it will shutter its operations in the country, in a bid to further streamline its global business operations.

Groupon launched in South Africa in 2010 after it bought local startup Twangoo.

Groupon South Africa will effectively shutter on 30 November

“We are sorry to inform you that as of 4 November 2016, Groupon has wound down its operations in South Africa and we are unable to offer you any deals today,” the company states on its website.

“For our customers, this means we will stop offering deals on our website from tonight. All current vouchers bought will remain valid until the date stated on the voucher. The terms and conditions on the voucher remain the same.”

South Africa is one of 12 countries getting the axe, as Groupon begins to focus on 15 nations earmarked as its “go-forward country footprint”.

Groupon South Africa closed down. I thought 2016 couldn’t get any worse

— Wasfi Samodien (@wasfisamodien) November 4, 2016

What does this mean for your order?

For those who still have vouchers valid for use on Groupon, the firm notes you can either get a cash refund, or use the voucher within its date of validity. Those who wish to return goods can do so before 30 November 2016. Additionally, orders placed up until 4 November will be processed as normal.

We’ve reached out to Groupon South Africa for a little more clarity regarding these dates and processes.

“We are sorry not to be able to offer you any great deals today but thank you for your interest in Groupon,” the company concludes.