PitchandShip.com

QVC International Revenue Increases 15% in 4Q to $751 Million

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:44:17 +0000

Source article recaps QVC’s 2009 performance in its home market and abroad. Among the details: QVC Japan lowered price points and sold less jewelry in the fourth quarter for a 17% increase in unit sales. In European news, QVC will begin airing in Italy in the fourth quarter of this year. www.DiamondNe.ws Mar. 3, 2010

QVC UK Reports Strong 4th Quarter

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:17:09 +0000

QVC UK reported a 2.3% year-over-year net sales for 2009 and an even more robust 5.9% increase for the fourth quarter. Full year net sales amounted to £367.9m, compared with £359.7m in 2008. Fourth-quarter net sales in 2009 were £112.2m, compared to £105.9m in the prior-year period. Liverpool Daily Post (UK) Mar. 3, 2010

QVC Reports “Outstanding” 4Q Results

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:45:03 +0000

The characterization came from QVC CEO Mike George, who elaborated thusly, “We grew revenue and profitability at one of the highest rates in the last decade and are showing improving trends in all markets.” The company saw revenue growth of 14% (to $2.4 billion) for the quarter. The Wall Street Journal Feb. 25, 2010 Paid subscription may be required. Earnings call transcript at Seeking Alpha

QVC Groupies Pay $75 for Tours of its West Chester, PA, Facility

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:29:55 +0000

What a racket! QVC charges, presumably, some of its most devoted fans $75 for a 3-hour, “All-Access Tour” that includes lunch in the company’s commissary and glimpses into conference rooms. (Not kidding.) Also available for people who are not insane is a quickie tour for $7.50. Philadelphia Enquirer Jan. 22, 2010

In Tough Times, Americans Place Greater Value on “Doing”

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:26:19 +0000

Nothing wrong with that, it seems to me, so long as one of the things they’re doing is plopping down in front of the television with a telephone and credit card in their hand. This photo of a Miami family spending a day on Biscayne Bay, seemingly away from electronic devices altogether, is alarming and just may be un-American. The New York Times Jan. 2, 2010

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

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:21:27 +0000

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 than a decade ago, when then-ValueVision tagged itself as “The Brand Name Channel,” its ownership relationship with Montgomery Ward led it to consider (or was it “try”) selling major appliances, and then having them installed by Montgomery Ward crews. I’m nut sure what became of the idea, but those 90s era marketers didn’t have a $12K-per-household tailwind at their back…

Dennis Basso Goes Shopping with a NYT Reporter

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:23:10 +0000

Apparently, the couture furrier, who moonlights designing and selling ready-to-wear, faux furs on QVC, cares greatly about the proper handling and storage of his wares. All coats — at price points high and low — should be hung on custom hangers when put away for any length of time. For quick comings and goings they should be hung on a handy coat rack, and never slung over a piece of furniture. Got that? The New York Times Dec. 7, 2009

New Fila-Susan Lucci Line Premieres on HSN Today

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:50:30 +0000

The new Pilates apparel line, which complements the actress’ Malibu Pilates Program (also sold on HSN), is composed of poly/spandex tanks, hoodies and pants. (Emmy-award-winning actress Susan Lucci models one of the outfits from her new line, in partnership with Fila, at left.) Footwear News on WWD.com Fila Press Release on PRWeb.com Dec. 9, 2009

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sells Out on HSN

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:00:20 +0000

Well, if you’re going to sell out (figuratively), you may as well sell out (literally), too. At any rate, that’s what Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs did on his first HSN show, selling plush robes and toiletries, last week. The sellout — the second one — necessitated the cancellation of the second planned show. RTTNews.com Dec. 7, 2009

QVC Unveils Mobile Shopping App for iPhone

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:09:32 +0000

QVC iPhone App

In addition to providing robust seach-and-shopping functionality, the application nods in the direction of the social networking craze with “recommend-to-friends” and “remind-me-later” features. What’s more, in a fit of generosity, the retailer is offering the application for free! IntoMobile.com Dec. 4, 2009