PitchandShip.com

The Joy of Being Joy Mangano, Who Will Release New Products on HSN in Coming Months

Joy Mangano’s “divorced-Mom-to-riches” story didn’t begin with a mop, but years earlier with a fluorescent pet collar, which was one product idea that got away from her.  This piece in Investors Business Daily offers a quick overview of Mangano’s meteoric rise; her company — Ingenious Designs — today brings HSN some $150 million in sales annually.  One also comes away with the notion that Mangano doesn’t irritate interviewers or readers with false modesty.  “I don’t know of anyone else who has withstood the test of time as myself, barring celebrities, that create and endorse products,” she said.  Investors Business Daily Jul. 19, 2010

B Green’s VibeAway Scheduled to Debut on QVC Wednesday

The New Jersey-based maker of anti-vibration pads for washing machines and dryers announced that its premiere has been scheduled for 12 AM (ET), Wednesday, May 12th.  B Green Innovations, Inc., Press Release May 10, 2010

HSN and ShopNBC Representatives to Be Among Judges at HomeWorld Business Magazine’s Third Annual Innovations Awards

The awards honor excellence and innovation in such categories as cleaning supplies, storage organization, small appliances/Fans/Heaters, home/health & safety, impulse items; housewares & kitchen gadgets. They are bestowed during a ceremony at the National Hardware Show®, which will be held May 4-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  National Hardware Show Press Release Apr. 19, 2010

New Cake-Cutting Device to Premiere on HSN

Once again, HSN has found the sweet spot where crafters, bakers and gadget-lovers meet.   Provo Craft will launch its new electronic cutter — specifically designed for decorating cakes, cupcakes, cookies and confections — on the network this month.  Cricut Cake will be available for sale on hsn.com beginning April 12, with an official launch on HSN on April 14, 2010 at 12:01 AM (ET).  Describing the new product, Nancy Caplan, svp of merchandising, employs the alliteration “decorative device,” and referring to its audience, “culinary crafters.”  I like those, but let’s add “confectionary crafters,” too.  HSN Press Release Apr. 5, 2010

Just Asking: Isn’t it Time to Push Major Appliances?

Since the DRTV business didn’t benefit from the “Cash for Clunkers,” owing to not selling cars, shouldn’t we be gearing up for a slice of the “Cash for Caulkers” spending that may be in the offing very soon?

Anyone selling washing and drying machines and the like, and then delivering and installing them through third parties?  What about Home Depot- or Lowes-themed shows to sell replacement windows and HVAC systems?  It may take some doing to get this kind of programming launched, but if the government can re-allocate TARP funds to pay for dish washers, then the TV shopping networks can carve out a piece.  It seems to me that one of the most compelling and potentially profitable hours of DRTV programming would pitch home energy efficiency products — and then how to get government stimulus money to pay for them!

The linked article on CNNMoney.com (12/9/09) suggests that the government may pay for 50% of efficiency improvements up to a total cost of $12,000.  That’s a windfall for consumers and anyone selling to them.  So, who is in Washington DC now, while the legislation is being written, to see that the new stimulus spending gives the DRTV industry a chance? More »

QVC Recalls Paula Dean Cast Iron Cookware

Some 51,000 sets of Paula Dean Hammered Cast Iron Cookware sold by QVC on TV, the web and its employee stores from October 2007 through July 2009 have been recalled by the retailer, after 79 reports of cracking or shattering during heating.  The products were manufactured by Meyer Trading Company in China.  ConsumerAffairs.com US Recall News Oct. 6, 2009

Squished Deviled Eggs Lead to a Today’s Special Value on QVC

Joy Clymer shows off her "Party on the Go" invention

Medical transcriptionist (and now inventor) Joy Clymer set about making a travel container for deviled eggs, after a batch of hers fared poorly on their way to a barbeque.  A little research online led her to Davison, a new product development firm, and, together, they developed Party on the Go, a versatile food storage container that went on to become a Today’s Special Value on QVC. Davison Press Release on MarketWatch July 1, 2009