I work for Strangermart, and I can answer that running a deal on a Groupon/Tippr/Strangermart type site is not a always sign the business is dying. It's a sign the business wants new customers. Plenty of very healthy businesses want and need new customers all the time and these programs are a great way to get new folks in the door. Of course, there may be businesses that want new customers because they are dying, but that is not the common motivation we see.
Often a new business will run a deal to get the word out and give folks an incentive for trying them out.
I can't speak for Groupon or Tippr, but we hear from our business owners in Strangermart that running the deal saved or even grew their business during tough economic times. They really value the customers that Strangermart delivers because they are smart, loyal folks who appreciate good service and products from local businesses.