Noting that HSN has benefited from reduced markdowns and managed to prepay debt while maintaining healthy cash flows, Moody’s now has rated HSN at Ba1, one step away from investment-grade. Dow Jones Newswires May 26, 2010
May 262010
Call for Entries: 2nd Annual 'Media for Liberty' Journalism Award
PR Newswire - 1 hour ago
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty") (Nasdaq: LCAPA, LCAPB, LINTA, LINTB, LSTZA, LSTZB) is now accepting submissions for the annual "Media for ...
Colourful Company Group Agrees to Buy Gems TV UK for £3 Million
DRTV Retailer, UK/Europe
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May 252010
One of the original founders of Gems TV, Steve Bennett, appears to want to try to turn around its loss-making UK operation. Bennett’s Colourful Company Group, where he serves as a director along with his wife and brother, has agreed to a £3 million deal to buy Gems TV UK from its parent company, Gem TV Holdings, which is listed on the Singapore stock exchange. Colourful Company Group operates the online auction site Rocks.tv and jewellery website ColouredRocks.com. Birmingham Post (UK) May 25, 2010
May Retail Sales Coming in at Worse-than-Expected Levels, But Online Sales Register Big First Quarter
Research, Trends, Forecasts
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May 252010
In a sign that the recovery in consumer spending remains tepid, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) today said that it now expects sales at stores open at least a year to be up 2 percent to 2.5 percent versus prior year for the industry, instead of the 3.5% increase it previously predicted. The trade group cited slower traffic and less spending at discounters and apparel retailers, as well as colder weather in much of the country. Reuters May 25, 2010
Tuesday also saw the release of some contrasting, positive news. “Online retail sales reached $34 billion in the first three months of 2010, a 10 percent jump from the same period a year ago and the first double-digit percentage gain in nearly two years, according to Web research firm ComScore.” Chicago Sun-Times May 25, 2010 UPI May 26, 2010
Accessories King Steve Russo Signs Licensing Pact with Carlos Falci
Accessories (Fashion), Bricks-and-Mortar, Product Categories
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May 252010
In a seemingly odd match, Steve Russo — whose New York-based company imports and sells Hello Kitty- and Hannah Montana-emblazoned back-to-school gear — has signed a five-year licensing agreement with handbag designer Carlos Falci, one of whose distribution channels is electronic retail on HSN. “Sources said the agreement is a cornerstone for Russo’s plan to build a New York-based empire in luxury handbags.” The New York Post May 25, 2010
Karen Robinovitz Really, Really Wanted to Pitch on HSN
Beauty products, Product Categories, Talent
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May 252010
Reporter Sharon Feiereisen, writing for The Fashion Spot, said that Robinovitz lights up at the mere mention of shopping network HSN — that pitching there was “her ultimate dream,” which has now come true. She made The Show with her brand Purple Lab just one year after its launch. Here is the beauty product brand’s official site. LimeLife May 24, 2010
May 252010
Unfazed by a recent birthday — 5-0 — this pitchwoman on QVC UK shares a little about her personal life in a brief interview with Grazia Daily (UK) May 25, 2010
Singer/Songwriter Jewel to Debut New Album “Sweet and Wild” on HSN
CDs/DVDs, Celebs & Stars
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May 242010
In the latest of a string of strong “gets” for the number two shopping network, Jewel will debut her most recent country album, “Sweet and Wild,” on HSN as part of an exclusive bundle set that also includes a bonus CD on May 25 at 6 p.m. EDT and May 26 at 12 p.m. EDT. HSN Press Release May 24, 2010
May 242010
Impressed by expected increases in customers and revenues due to lower price points at ShopNBC, Doherty & Co. LLC. has initiated coverage on vvtv stock with a “buy” rating and a $5 price target. The Wall Street Journal May 24, 2010
QVC-Sponsored Survey Finds that 13% of Britons Prefer Television to their Life Partner
Research, Trends, Forecasts, UK/Europe
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May 242010
More than half of Britons “admitted that television programs were an integral part of their lives and something they would not be able to live without.” Commenting on the results, QVC’s marketing director Sue Leeson suggested that, in the UK, television had become part of the family. Digital Spy (UK) May 24, 2010
