Alcohol, the Internet and the Big Apple
By Leslie Poston
Alcohol, the Internet and the Big Apple - what do they have in common? Nothing on the surface, but if you put them all together you may just have a recession-proof business. That is what the guys behind MyOpenBar.com are finding out.
Liquor has been thought to be fairly recession proof over the years, but lately people are just staying home more to save money. MyOpenBar.com gives people in New York City a way to find places that are serving free drinks, which in turn gives a morale boost as they get out of the house on even the tightest budget. It also gives a potential economic boost to the bar hosting the event with the liquor distributor or distillery, as people who are happy (and slightly intoxicated) spend more money.
“The bad economy is doing nothing but helping us,” Mr Granik told the New York Times. “We’re probably the only company we know of that’s doing very well because of the downturn.”
The site also helps the clubs in other ways. On a normally slow night, people who aren’t online and who don’t know about the free drinks web site will see the long line of people waiting to get in. Thinking the club is a happening spot, they will often stop and join the fun. Since not everyone will drink just anything, even if it is free, there will be plenty of people spending money. Add in the possibilities if the bar serves tapas or other munchies not included with the free booze, and you have sales on a normally dead night.
MyOpenBar isn’t new. It’s almost ancient in Internet time, having gotten its start in 2005. It seems to be not only holding steady in these turbulent financial times, but picking up the pace, however. After all, who can say no to a free drink? Nightclubs are embracing the idea, as are distributors, breweries and distilleries, as a way to keep business alive in these uncertain times. Personally, I hope they open a Boston branch soon so I can see what all the fuss is about.
Related:
Entry was posted
on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 at 1:16 am
under 
Print This Post
Read more entries by Leslie Poston.
Stumble It!
