LivingSocial Adds Real-Time Offerings to Mobile App Roster

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LivingSocial today announces the test market launch of Instant Deals, a breakthrough in local commerce letting consumers find immediate deals at restaurants and attractions within a .5 mile radius via their LivingSocial mobile application. LivingSocial Instant Deals delivers real-time benefits for consumers and merchants and will launch as a test with LivingSocial members in Washington, D.C.

"As the local commerce industry continues to evolve, we continue innovating our products and deepen our merchant and customer relationships. We're headed into unchartered territory, focusing on meeting merchants' varying business goals with members' demand for instant access," says Tim O'Shaughnessy, CEO of LivingSocial. "We know from working with our more than 20 million members and merchants that the best way for both to interact in an efficient marketplace is to offer flexibility with the timing and the kinds of offers we provide. Instant Deals is the perfect complement to the daily experiences we're already offering."  

LivingSocial Instant Deals brings a real-time twist to the way merchants market their business and how consumers discover the best experiences in their neighborhood. Local merchants can now work with LivingSocial to craft deals to optimize traffic through their doors during slower business hours or just when they want to bring in more customers.  Unlike LivingSocial daily deals which are live for 24 hours, Instant Deals are live for a short period of time, providing increased opportunity for businesses to enhance their customer base.  For example, a lunch-driven restaurant can increase its sales during a slow afternoon by offering a special deal between 3 – 5 p.m.

Searching for nearby savings is simple - by clicking on Instant Deals within the LivingSocial mobile application, subscribers will receive notifications about Instant Deals within half a mile of their current location. And the app will allow them to keep track of their purchases just like standard LivingSocial daily deals and Escapes.

O'Shaughnessy adds, "What better place to test this innovative new program than our own backyard? We'll be focusing our test launch in some of the highest foot traffic areas in Washington, D.C. like Chinatown, DuPont Circle and U Street."

LivingSocial is the online source for people to find handpicked experiences at a great value. The company currently operates in nearly 200 markets in the U.S. and abroad, helping more than 20 million subscribers find restaurants, shops, activities and services popular in their area, at significant savings. The company has dedicated area experts on the ground in every market working directly with business owners, constantly unearthing the best in local attractions to bring a savings of at least 50 percent to consumers.

For more information, visit www.livingsocial.com.

About LivingSocial

LivingSocial adds surprise to every calendar with handpicked daily deals you can share with friends. Members enjoy at least 50% off on the coolest, local experiences. Local business owners get an easy and cost effective marketing tool to attract new, loyal customers. In 2010, one of the fastest growing companies in the space expanded with LivingSocial Escapes offering a "vacation in a box" for easy weekend trips at great value. Based in Washington, DC, the international brand and has saved more than 20 million subscribers more than $311 million in nearly 200 markets worldwide. Please visit www.livingsocial.com for additional information.

SOURCE LivingSocial