Who can use the hellozurichPass benefits from over 170 exclusive advantages and constant discounts in the greater Zurich area, but also in numerous online stores. That's why it's not just Zurich residents who buy a hellozurichPass. The pass is published by hellozurich, the largest independent magazine for the greater Zurich area. We met Managing Director Christian Schiller for an interview.
A journalistic magazine and a city pass with discounts, gifts and other benefits - does that even go together?
Christian Schiller: I think so: with the hellozurichPass, our readers can get to know Zurich and benefit from discounts and advantages at the same time. This offer perfectly complements our editorial stories about people and places in Zurich. And we offer a credible environment for partner businesses of the hellozurichPass.
500 passes have already been purchased since the launch in January 2020. How do you explain this success?
We don't work with every company that wants to take part in the hellozurichPass - no matter how attractive the permanent discount or gift is. So we make sure that the offers suit our readership. This certainly sets the hellozurichPass apart from other deal, coupon or percentage platforms. What's more, our city pass is comparatively inexpensive at eight francs per month.
500 passes is an impressive number. What is the long-term goal?
In the medium term, it is realistic that there will always be around 2500 hellozurich passes in circulation. We want to appeal not only to the Swiss population, but also to tourists. We will soon also be offering the hellozurichPass in English. The hellozurichPass is also a great gift idea - also for companies that want to make their employees happy. It can't always be just bouquets of flowers and book vouchers.
In a short space of time, you have been able to win over 170 partner stores for the hellozurichPass - including numerous web stores from all over Switzerland and even abroad. How did you go about it?
As already mentioned, we contacted companies that fit in with our readership - for example Stadtlandkind, which also has a offer are also present with an offer. Other businesses have approached us. In the vast majority of cases, by the way, we didn't need much convincing. With around 3.1 million impressions per month, hellozurich is an important voice in the greater Zurich area. The partner businesses that can present themselves on our channels also benefit from this. It is certainly attractive that we also include online stores. The hellozurichPass is therefore also interesting for people who have nothing to do with Zurich.
Which offers are particularly popular?
It is still too early to answer this question after one month. Generally speaking, discounts of 25 percent or more or gifts work very well, while offers with less attractive benefits are less frequently clicked on and used. But there are exceptions: There are exceptions. If the product is exciting enough, a discount of 10 percent can also work.
