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.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
