Most Confusing Press Release Ever

Dear PR industry,

This is why reporters are oftentimes derisive when they refer to you. Not one of these 400 or so words refers to the fact that Mobile, Alabama isn’t the first thing you think of when, as a tech blogger looking for news, you see the word “mobile” in a press release headline.

A human would have made a joke about it.

Best,

Alexia

FULL RELEASE BELOW

Groupon Launches in Mobile

Upcoming Features Include Tanning Package, Dance Lessons and Local Café

MOBILE, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Groupon (www.groupon.com), a shopping website that offers a daily deal on the best local goods, services and cultural events in more than 250 markets around the world, launched in Mobile on October 18, 2010.

“We’ll offer unbeatable deals to residents from the highest quality businesses, while generating a stream of new customers for local merchants.”
“Mobile – a hub of history, culture, arts and entertainment – is an ideal match for the Groupon model,” said Rob Solomon, president and chief operating officer of Groupon. “We’ll offer unbeatable deals to residents from the highest quality businesses, while generating a stream of new customers for local merchants.”

Using the principles of collective buying, Groupon negotiates unprecedented discounts with popular businesses. Groupon subscribers get free daily emails alerting them to the deals. The deals are activated only when a minimum number of people agree to buy, encouraging subscribers to share the promotion with family and friends. By guaranteeing a large number of new customers, Groupon has created a powerful new marketing vehicle for local merchants. This innovative approach to e-commerce has brought millions of dollars in new revenue to local businesses while saving more than $600 million for subscribers across North America.

“Groupon brings buyers and sellers together in a fun and collaborative way,” said Solomon. “We offer the consumer a great deal they can’t get anywhere else and deliver the sales directly to the merchant.”

During its first week in Mobile, featured deals included orchestra tickets and a pastry shop. Upcoming deals include a tanning package, dance lessons and a local cafe. Mobile joins Birmingham as Alabama’s second Groupon city.

About Groupon

Groupon, launched in November 2008 in Chicago, features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, eat, see and buy in more than 250 markets around the world. Groupon uses collective buying power to offer unbeatable prices and provide a win-win for businesses and consumers, delivering nearly 200 deals daily throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.groupon.com.

To get Groupon’s daily free email for the best in your city, subscribe at http://www.groupon.com.

For more information on Groupon apps for the iPhone and Android, visit http://www.groupon.com/mobile.

To learn more on how to become a featured business on Groupon, visit http://www.grouponworks.com.