Time Out New York Expands Digital Business
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NEW YORK, April 10, 2012—Time Out New York—the leading provider of local arts, entertainment, culture and food coverage—announces today the latest phase in its digital media expansion marked by the unveiling of a new e-commerce business, website, and iPad and iPhone applications.
The 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.”
Time Out New York’s iPhone app provides users with arts, entertainment and venue information for both travelers and locals on the go. An Android app is also set to launch in the coming weeks.
Since Oakley Capital acquired a majority stake in the company last May, the Time Out Group has launched a new website edition for Time Out Paris, made more than 60 new digital hires, formed new strategic partnerships and acquired several relevant companies to further build out its presence on the Web.
Time Out New York has also recently partnered with other innovative digital platforms, including three first-to-market Foursquare applications; most recently, TONY became a launch partner for the “Save to Foursquare” button.
About Time Out Group
Time Out Group is a global media company and leading source for discovering the best arts and entertainment in the best cities throughout the world. Founded in London in 1968, the Time Out Group distribution network incorporates city magazines, a comprehensive online presence, an Offers & Experiences platform, mobile applications, travel guides, live events and partnerships. Dedicated to delivering comprehensive, relevant and engaging information, Time Out Group spans 35 cities across 24 countries and encompasses a worldwide audience of over 17 million. Time Out Group received the International Consumer Magazine of the Year title at the Periodical Publishers Association Awards in both 2010 and 2011 and was named a 2011/2012 “Cool Brand” for its ability to guide people to the very best that a place has to offer.
