Media companies across Canada have had a tough time integrating a deals business into their strategy. What was a promising venture for some a few years ago has turned to a business model in search of focus, revenues and profits. Frankly, most media companies are not well equipped to operate a deal commerce or a local commerce business even though they have the sales reps, they have the customers and they have the local merchants. Most of the issues could be tracked down to operational issues. A media company focused on selling advertising has very different operational objectives, especially for the sales team, than a model that promotes deal commerce.
Such was the case with Glacier Media. They operated a deals site called Dealmate on the west coast. It never really grew. Earlier this month, Glacier decided that partnering with an existing and successful Deal commerce business made more sense than continuing to operate Dealmate themselves. As such, they announced a strategic partnership with one the west coasts most successful deal commerce providers, Social Shopper. It’s a very good move.
Social Shopper has essentially taken over Dealmate and will be the official deals partner for Glacier Media. Meaning they will act as the deals arm for Glacier. Glacier’s local sales force, meanwhile, will present the benefits of Deal Marketing to their local merchant accounts and try and promote the Social Shopper to local merchants. Social Shopper also obtains the ability, through Glacier’s sales force, to reach far more merchants than they could have on their own. The ability for Social shopper and Glacier to tailor interesting deal packages for Glacier clients certainly puts both companies at an advantage compared to other local deal commerce service, namely Groupon, Teambuy and Wagjag. We are assuming that there will be a revenue share between the two companies for any revenues obtained from the partnership. This relationship helps both companies focus on what they do best. Frankly more media companies should partner or separately own a Deal commerce business.
The official Press Release is below:
Glacier Media Group Announces Partnership with SocialShopper
VANCOUVER, July 9, 2013 /CNW/ – Western Canada’s largest local media company is pleased to announce their partnership with local social commerce company SocialShopper.
With an exceptional reputation for customer service, unique offers and experiences, SocialShopper is committed to connecting consumers with local businesses via local, social and mobile commerce.
“We are very proud to have SocialShopper as part of the Glacier family. We have specific ideas on how to differentiate this space and now with the size and caliber of SocialShopper’s customer base combined with our own we have a significant position to build on” said Alvin Brouwer, President, Glacier Media Digital and Lower Mainland Publishing.
Image with caption: “Glacier Media Group Announces Partnership with SocialShopper (CNW Group/Glacier Media Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130709_C6209_PHOTO_EN_28899.jpg
SOURCE: Glacier Media Inc.
For further information: Glacier Media
