News Summary
The Home Shopping Network has officially ended its 47-year operations in St. Petersburg, Florida, transitioning to full-time broadcasting from Pennsylvania. This move follows a consolidation planned by its parent organization, Qurate Retail Group, and impacts 730 employees with layoffs commencing soon. Despite the shift, HSN and QVC will maintain separate brand identities. The local community has expressed a mix of sadness and gratitude for HSN’s long-standing presence.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The Home Shopping Network (HSN), a beloved live shopping institution, officially ended its 47-year operations in St. Petersburg as it transitioned to full-time broadcasting from Studio Park in Pennsylvania. The move follows an announcement made by Qurate Retail Group, the parent organization of both HSN and QVC, earlier this year regarding a consolidation of its operations.
The operational shift took effect on Wednesday at noon, marking a significant change in the network’s history. The consolidation forms part of a broader restructuring that involves reorganizing leadership and could lead to potential job losses or relocations. Qurate Retail Group has assured that, despite the operational shift, HSN and QVC will retain separate brand identities as they target distinct customer bases.
Impact on Employees
In a move reflecting the seriousness of the situation, HSN announced that it would implement layoffs impacting 730 employees, forming part of a larger reduction of 900 positions across QVC U.S. and Global Shared Services. The first phase of layoffs is set to commence on May 26, affecting 145 employees, while an additional round is planned for July 1.
A WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice has been filed with the Florida Department of Commerce detailing the layoffs. This could mean that certain positions may be transitioned to remote roles, keeping nearly 230 employees engaged to help with the transition and closure processes through the end of the year.
Background of HSN
Founded in 1982 by Roy Speer and Lowell “Bud” Paxson, HSN started as a radio call-in shopping program before evolving into a cable television powerhouse. The company’s acquisition by Liberty Interactive Corporation in 2017, which was the parent company of QVC at the time, set the stage for substantial operational changes ahead.
The recent restructuring at Qurate Retail Group arises from a decline in revenues and the company’s warning regarding the risk of delisting for QVC, expected to be finalized by late 2024. As part of the effort to enhance market presence, Qurate Retail Group plans to concentrate on developing live shopping content across various social platforms.
Community Response
Stacy Bowe, President of HSN Brand & US Merchandising, recognized the significant contribution of the St. Petersburg community throughout HSN’s history. The transition may be seen as a bittersweet moment, as many longtime employees and local supporters express their gratitude for the years spent in the city.
Rhonda Shear, a longtime host of HSN, conveyed her sadness over the impending layoffs but expressed optimism about the prospects of future projects and employment possibilities. The emotional response from staff and the community reflects the deep roots HSN has established in the area over nearly five decades.
Future Directions
Moving forward, as Qurate Retail Group implements its strategy, the focus will remain on ensuring that both HSN and QVC adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences. This strategic pivot is designed to position both brands to succeed in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
While the end of HSN’s operations in St. Petersburg indicates a significant shift, our understanding of the future of live commerce and shopping remains hopeful as Qurate Retail Group explores new avenues for growth and customer engagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida’s Business Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges
QVC Group Announces Layoffs and Relocation Impacting HSN Employees
St. Petersburg Faces Job Cuts: Home Shopping Network Layoffs
New Central Park Food Hall Opens in St. Petersburg
HSN Relocates Headquarters from St. Petersburg to Pennsylvania
St. Petersburg: A Week Full of Ups and Downs
St. Petersburg Says Goodbye to HSN: A New Chapter Begins
SunRunner Transit Achieves Two Million Riders in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- WTSP: HSN Last Broadcast
- Business Observer: HSN St. Pete Closure
- WFLA: HSN to Lay Off 730 Employees
- St. Pete Catalyst: HSN Additional Layoffs
- St. Pete Catalyst: HSN Lay Off 730 Workers
- Wikipedia: Home Shopping Network
- Google Search: Home Shopping Network
- Google Scholar: Home Shopping Network
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Home Shopping Network
- Google News: Home Shopping Network
