New York Times Launches Loyalty Program

The New York Times last week launched a points program that rewards subscribers for purchases from a wide range of businesses.

The TimesPoints program gives its members points for purchases at participating restaurants, hotels and online retailers. Members can redeem their points for Times home-delivery subscriptions, goods from The New York Times Store, and gift cards from Times advertisers including Bloomingdale's, Apple iTunes Store and Barnes & Noble.

Members register (for free) up to three credit or debit cards at Timespoints.com, then earn points for purchases made with those cards at participating businesses.

The program runs through Rewards Network for dining and hotels, and through Advantex Marketing International for online shops.

Members earn 10% or more of their dining bill in 9,000 restaurants across North America; 5% of their room rate at 10,000 hotels; and a percentage of each purchase at 200 online retailers. Each point is worth $1 on subscriptions, Times Store purchases, or gift cards.

"We are always looking for new and innovative ways to reward our loyal readers," said Alyse Myers, senior VP-CMO of The New York Times Media Group, in a statement. "The TimesPoints program is an excellent opportunity for us to extend our brand and offer great benefits to our readers for doing everyday activities like dining, staying at hotels and shopping online."