Groupon drops all gun-related offers

TEMPE, AZ - Groupon announced that is has ceased all discounts and offers on anything gun-related effective immediately.

It’s not clear if this is a permanent or a temporary move.

“All scheduled and current gun-related deals featured on Groupon North America, including shooting ranges, conceal-and-carry and clay shooting, have been placed on hiatus while we review internal standards that shape the deal inventory we feature,” said Julie Mossler, a Groupon spokesperson. “The category is under review following recent consumer and merchant feedback.”

Groupon becomes the latest company to part ways with fire arms after the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut about one month ago.

ABC15 has learned that Groupon was still soliciting local gun stores as recently as this month to partner for a discount.

“They’ve been hassling me for the past three months,” said John Webster, owner of CTR Guns in Tempe. “All of a sudden, they're going to pull what they have. It’s amazing.”

In an email to Webster dated January 10, 2013, a local Groupon account executive writes, “I strongly believe we can build a business relationship that benefits both of us.”

The short, six paragraph email does not reference guns at all.

“You are not reaching those additional people who simply need a nudge to commit to visiting you,” the email states. “People in your target demographic. I can help you reach more of these folks.”

Webster provided the email to ABC15 and stated he declined Groupon’s offer.