Primo Flavorstation™ 100
In a press release this morning, Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Primo Water Corporation announced that it will sell its new Flavorstation™ 100 Home Beverage Maker at ShopNBC.com, Lowes.com and in participating Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. The product is available in a kit at a price point of $120 on ShopNBC.com now. John Maples, Primo Water’s chief marketing officer, wrote to say that the Flavorstation kit will premiere on the ShopNBC TV network, November 28th.
The Primo Flavorstation enables consumers to create naturally-flavored sodas, fruit sparklers, fruit flavored teas, zero-calorie sodas and energy drinks without high-fructose corn syrup. It promises to deliver, “the taste of national [beverage] brands at a fraction of the cost and calories.” The product also promises an environmental benefit by reducing the number of cans households send off to landfills. Primo Water Corporation Press Release Nov. 23, 2011
Jim Huffstetler (courtesy of LinkedIn Profile)
Reached for comment this week after touting the sale of 50,000 units on QVC in a press release, Zero Odor founder Jim Huffstetler described his company’s business with the number one shopping network as a return to its direct response TV roots. When Zero Odor (specializing in odor elimination without the use of heavy perfumes) got off the ground six years ago, two-minute, voiceover-and-testimonial infomercials were a critical sales channel. At the time, they were placed on cable stations nationwide. During 28 appearances on QVC in the past year, Huffstetler has marveled at the efficiency and professionalism of the TV-selling juggernaut. He describes the QVC segment of Zero Odor’s business as “meaningful” and looks forward to continuing the association.
In addition to its TV-selling stints, Zero Odor distributes its products through retail chains, including Bed, Bath & Beyond and True Value hardware stores.
In a press release today, Connecticut-based Zero Odor celebrated their successful partnership with number-one TV shopping network QVC, which has resulted in the sale of 50,000 units of Zero Odor’s four-bottle odor eliminator kit over the past year. The product eliminates pet, smoke, kitchen and garbage odors from homes and automobiles without the use of heavy perfumes to temporarily mask them.
Zero Odor founder Jim Huffstetler also had the good sense to use the release as an opportunity to lavish a little praise on the professionals at QVC, saying (and this is just part of his encomium), “I am so impressed with QVC’s tireless efforts to delight their customers. The process for getting a product approved to go on-air is incredibly rigorous.” Zero Odor Press Release Nov. 11, 2011
In voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, W. P. Appliances, Inc. is recalling its Wolfgang Puck Reversible Tri-Grill/Griddle (model number BRTGG0100), which it imported from China-based manufacturer YouO Electric Appliances Co. Ltd. HSN was the exclusive retailer for the product, and sold some 27,000 units between April 30 and May 6 of this year at an approximate price point of $100.
W. P. Appliances, Inc., has received four reports of electrical shock and two reports of melted plastic housing, due to a defect in the appliance’s electrical wiring that can pose a risk of overheating. The importer has established a toll-free number (1-855-666-0478) to assist customers, and will reimburse them for the full purchase price of the product (including sales tax and shipping and handling). Kansas City infoZine Nov. 11, 2011
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
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
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
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
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? Continue reading »
