Time Out New York Expands Digital Business
New E-Commerce Model, Website and Mobile Apps to Complement Print Magazine
April 10, 2012 By Press ReleaseThe launches signal the most recent strategic steps and tactical executions taken in the United States for global Time Out Group to advance as a worldwide digital media group since Oakley Capital Investments Ltd. gained a majority share in the company last year. Brands have also signed on to support this strategy including MasterCard, which will be the premier global partner for Time Out Group's iPad app.
"We are a brand with considerable consumer trust, a distinct editorial voice and an incredibly active audience, which drives our business and puts us in a position that is unique in the marketplace," said Aksel van der Wal, President of Time Out North America and Chief Operating Officer of Time Out Group. "We will continue to scale in digital, from improving the overall online experience to deepening the types of offers that we provide to hiring great talent to develop them."
Time Out New York's online presence is now hosted under the new domain, timeout.com/newyork, unifying it with Time Out Group's global properties. The new website offers improved search capabilities and speed. It also allows visitors to make transactions, increasing the consumer's access to all aspects of event planning, from inspiration to ticketing.
Transactions allow consumers to purchase tickets to theater shows and to book tables at restaurants. Additionally, through its new "Offers & Experiences" platform, Time Out New York has partnered with local niche companies to offer subscribers daily discounts, deals and unrivaled access to the city's best events and products.
Time Out New York has also launched two new mobile apps on the iPad and iPhone, both of which are now available. The iPad app serves as a personalized, citywide recommendation engine, featuring daily content tailored to individual interests. Drawing from Time Out Group's recent acquisition of LikeCube and its personalization algorithm, as well as Time Out New York editorial critics' picks, the app provides users with relevant content based on their interaction with it.
"In today's always-on world, consumers are increasingly sharing updates and getting information on mobile phones and tablets," said Cheryl Guerin, senior vice president, U.S. Marketing, MasterCard. "This new iPad app helps them get a customized, inspirational guide to their city when, where and how they want. Our involvement with Time Out extends our Priceless New York program to continue to create new access, experiences, offers and memories for New Yorkers and millions of cardholders who visit the city."



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