StubHub Makes Global Push Today With Official U.K. Launch

StubHub officially launches in the U.K. today, marking the secondary ticketing site's first foray into the global market. The U.K. beta site already has more than 140,000 tickets listed (StubHub). In addition to its online interface, StubHub "intends to launch a retail outlet in Great Portland Street, central London, to allow fans to buy, pick up or drop off tickets." Other "pop up" locations are "planned across the country alongside a U.K.-based call centre for inquiries" (GUARDIAN.co.uk, 3/16).

StubHub President Chris Tsakalakis said the U.K. is a “great and vibrant market for fans, especially music and sport fans, and we think it’s a great market for us to be out first market outside of North America.” Tsakalakis: “We hope to take that model that we’ve applied in the U.S. and bring it here to the U.K., apply the better level of customer service and better level of customer satisfaction as a way to compete” (“Squawk on the Street,” CNBC, 3/15).