World’s fastest-growing daily deals site launches in NZ

11 May 2011

New Zealand’s daily deals industry has received a major boost from an international player, with the recent launch world’s fastest growing coupon site, LivingSocial (www.LivingSocial.com). LivingSocial is now running daily deals in Auckland. Daily deals in Wellington and Christchurch will soon follow with.

LivingSocial is the second-largest coupon site in the world, but the industry predicts it will overtake No 1 (Groupon) by January 2012[1]. It has a large market share in Australia, the US, UK, Canada and Ireland – and recently received $535million funding from a mix of investors including Amazon and Lightspeed Venture Partners – taking its total backing to an excess of $900million. LivingSocial also holds the “world coupon record”, having recently sold 1,300,000 deals in less than 24 hours in the US.

LivingSocial is differentiating itself from competitor sites by offering hyperlocal deals –daily deals in several areas in each city. In Auckland, for instance, it will segment deals into four regions: the north shore, west, city and south, as well as offering one premium city deal to appeal to everybody.

CEO Colin Fabig says, “By offering local deals, we are letting savvy shoppers try all the best experiences, located right on their doorstep. It’s a great way to find out about all the great places in your neighbourhood at no risk or upfront cost.”

Colin says the team at LivingSocial research the needs of each city, and each area, to offer deals that reflect the passions of the community. In Auckland, this will mean savings on sought after experiences to enjoy with the whole family, a great restaurant that’s perfect for a special occasion or a getaway to a destination that you’ve always wanted to visit.

“We are working with the cream of New Zealand businesses. They want to offer customers a treat and with LivingSocial they get a one-stop shop to reach hundreds of new customers at no risk or cash outlay,” says Colin.

As further incentive for bargain hunters, and to ensure no one enjoys a deal alone, customers who encourage three friends to also purchase a deal will get their deal for free. It’s a win for New Zealand shoppers and merchants alike.

ENDS

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