Getting Group Discounts Online

I was just introduced to a way of getting discounts online of which I had not been aware prior to reading an article from the Read Write Web called "Scoop St: From Flash Mobs to Group Shopping Discounts".  Basically, the website Scoop Street provides a way of getting a group of people together who all have a common interest in purchasing something.  If enough people commit to making the purchase in a certain amount of time, then they get a discount because of getting a group rate. If not enough people commit, then those who were initially on board are not charged anything. The website offers deals for items such as sporting event tickets, spa packages, and restaurant certificates. Apparently a couple of college roommates at Georgetown started this website not too long ago. At first I thought businesses might feel like they are getting gypped by people getting together online to get a group rate at their establishment (and some might),  but then the article brought up a valid point that this is actually more so helping out those businesses.  They are getting more business because the good deals are bringing people in.

Apparently the whole concept of getting random strangers together via the Internet to purchase something at a group rate is not a new one. The article mentioned that this type of thing has been happening in China ever since the 90's.

Maybe the reason why I haven't heard about a website of this nature before is because there is not one that has deals for this area (at least, not that I know of).  According to the article, Scoop Street is now just offering deals for New York City area, but it the owners want to expand it other areas as well. Does anyone know if we have something like this for deals at businesses in the Lansing area?