Groupon Deal a Hit for Edmonds Theater

When the Edmonds Theater ran a deal on Groupon offering two adult movie tickets and a large popcorn for $10, they weren't sure what kind of response they'd receive.

The interest, it turned out, was huge. Edmonds Theater sold 4,432 of the deals. Theater general manager Jonquil Sherman said the response has given them a needed boost during a typically slow time of year.

Many of the customers redeeming the vouchers hadn't been to the Edmonds theater before, meaning the Theater could win over new fans. In addition, Sherman said the online chatter about the deal meant more people were talking and thinking about Edmonds Theater.

"As far as exposure goes, I think this is one of the best ideas we've had," Sherman said.

Sherman doesn't see many negative aspects in the Groupon arrangment. Selling a substantial amount of tickets was not a problem for the theater, as they often manage sold out shows with their regular staffing. The Groupon deal also didn't involve much extra paperwork for the theater, and Sherman finds the coupons easy to redeem.

Sherman would like more Edmonds merchants to look into the possibility of running deals on Groupon or other daily deal sites.

"I'm hoping some of the other merchants in town can work out a deal with Groupon and get more people downtown," Sherman said. 

Other Edmonds businesses have, in fact, already gone the Groupon route. Here & There Grill, Girardi's, FIVE Bistro, Arnie's, and Family Fun Center are among those that have offered deals.