Groupon Expands Music Deal Category with Megastar Rihanna

New Album “LOUD” Integrates Groupon with Social Media Launch Campaign

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Groupon (http://www.groupon.com), a shopping website offering a daily deal in more than 300 markets around the world, announces it will offer recorded music features, kicking off with the fifth studio album from pop sensation Rihanna, “LOUD” (Island Def Jam Music Group.) In addition to the variety of unbeatable features that have made Groupon a global phenomenon, “LOUD” will be available as a $5 digital download in the inaugural holiday store of Groupon, the Grouponicus Store, beginning November 22, 2010.

“Rihanna dominates the charts and she’s the perfect artist to help Groupon launch Grouponicus and aggressively compete in the music marketplace.”

The Grouponicus Store opens for the season on November 22 at 12:00 a.m. ET and will feature Rihanna and “LOUD” in an email to millions of subscribers nationwide. The album will also be promoted throughout the Groupon site and among Groupon’s North American networks on Facebook and Twitter. Groupon users can grab the album for a perfect holiday gift by visiting http://www.groupon.com/deals/rihanna-new-york.

“Expanding our Music category further cements Groupon as a true lifestyle brand,” said Sean Smyth, VP of Business Development, Groupon. “Rihanna dominates the charts and she’s the perfect artist to help Groupon launch Grouponicus and aggressively compete in the music marketplace.”

This exciting first-of-its-kind deal on Groupon is an integral component of the digital launch campaign of Rihanna's “LOUD” that includes aggressive social media activation via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Rihanna's official website, fan sites, the blogosphere and a groundbreaking LOUDest Fan contest.

“Rihanna's new album “LOUD” is truly amazing and we're excited to partner with Groupon to deliver a special offer of this remarkable music to a brand new audience,” said Jon Vanhala, SVP Digital of Island Def Jam Music Group. “This is a wonderful opportunity to reach new fans while giving existing fans a perfect way to buy “LOUD” Groupons as a gift for friends and family this season."

In addition to the digital album download from Rihanna, Groupon continues to sell tickets for area festivals and concerts, previously featuring in-demand events including Chicago’s Riot Fest and tickets to Bon Jovi.

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 300 markets around the world. Groupon uses collective buying power to offer unbeatable prices and provide a win-win for businesses and consumers, delivering more than 400 daily deals globally. 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.

ABOUT ISLAND DEF JAM

The Island Def Jam Music Group is home to a diverse and unparalleled family of artists — from today's icons to tomorrow's rising stars — and is recognized as one of the most successful labels in the industry. It is comprised of Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Mercury Records. The roster boasts an array of talented artists including Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy, The Dream, Fabolous, Melissa Etheridge, NAS, Chrisette Michele, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Duffy and more.