A familiar name in New Zealand deals is back online. GrabOne, the popular website offering discounts on experiences, products, and travel, has officially relaunched under new Kiwi ownership, nearly a year after entering liquidation. The revival is spearheaded by Wellington-based holding company Paradigm Group, who saw an opportunity to restore a platform many businesses relied on and consumers enjoyed.
The shutdown of GrabOne last year wasn’t simply a website going offline, according to Paradigm Group chief executive Jonty Hodge. “When GrabOne went into liquidation, it wasn’t just a platform shutting down. Real merchants lost a channel that was genuinely working for them, and over 350,000 Kiwis lost a way to discover what’s on their doorstep,” Hodge said, as reported by 1News. For some businesses, GrabOne generated millions in revenue, a loss Hodge and Paradigm Group were determined to address.
From Liquidation to Rebirth
The previous iteration of GrabOne was acquired by Australian company Click Frenzy in 2021. However, Click Frenzy’s subsequent liquidation triggered GrabOne’s downfall, leaving both customers with unused vouchers and businesses without a key marketing channel. The relaunch aims to address both of those issues, though the new ownership cannot honor vouchers issued under the previous owners, advising customers to pursue chargebacks where applicable.
Paradigm Group’s acquisition signifies a return to local control for the platform. The company is focusing on rebuilding GrabOne as a marketplace that prioritizes local experiences and sustainable growth, initially signing up over 30 Wellington-based businesses, including Dockside Restaurant & Bar, Vivo Hair Salon, and Brewtown. This initial focus on Wellington businesses suggests a phased rollout strategy for the relaunched platform.
A New Focus for GrabOne
The new GrabOne isn’t simply a restart, but a rebuild, Hodge emphasized. The company plans to concentrate on helping small and medium-sized businesses attract new customers and foster repeat business. Key improvements include a new merchant portal and faster payment systems, designed to streamline operations for participating businesses. The initial emphasis will be on experiences and activities, with the product-heavy side of the old model being paused for now, according to Swikblog.
This shift in focus reflects a broader trend towards supporting local economies and experiences, particularly in the wake of economic disruptions. By prioritizing local businesses and offering a platform for discovery, GrabOne aims to become a valuable resource for both consumers and merchants.
Rebuilding the Brand and Restoring Trust
The relaunch isn’t just about technology and business strategy; it’s likewise about rebuilding trust and restoring the brand’s reputation. Former GrabOne staff have returned to the platform, including head of GrabOne Paul Raeburn, who expressed optimism about the future. “Last year’s liquidation marked the end of one chapter, but we always knew the platform still had so much to offer Aotearoa,” Raeburn said, as 1News reported.
Raeburn acknowledged that the previous iteration of GrabOne had its shortcomings, but believes the platform’s core value – connecting businesses with customers – remains strong. The relaunch aims to address those shortcomings and optimize the platform for a new era of local commerce.
Impact and Future Outlook
The return of GrabOne represents a potential boost for New Zealand’s small and medium-sized businesses, providing them with a valuable marketing channel and access to a large customer base. The platform’s focus on experiences and activities could also encourage consumers to explore their local communities and support local businesses. The relaunch of GrabOne is a significant development in the New Zealand deals landscape, offering a renewed opportunity for both businesses and consumers.
Paradigm Group has not yet announced specific plans for expanding the platform beyond Wellington, but the initial success of the relaunch will likely inform future growth strategies. The company is expected to provide further updates on its plans in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on the relaunch of GrabOne? Share your comments below and let us know how you plan to use the platform.
