topic Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows? in Q Talk

Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

glamwitch — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 05:17:37 GMT

This is going way, way back on the Q, and the upcoming Sochi Olympics made me think of it -- does anyone else remember the QVC shows that featured jewelry and collectible items from Russia?

The vendor was a Russian Orthodox priest whose name I don't remember (Father John something, I think?). He would visit different areas in the (then) Soviet Union and present items he had brought back, which included stuff like Baltic amber jewelry, handpainted lacquer items, beautiful elaborate crosses and religious icons, nesting dolls, textiles embroidered in Russian designs, etc. It was a wonderful collection of unusual stuff, and Father John always had amazing stories to tell about his travels, the meanings of designs and symbols used on items for sale, etc.

Really wish QVC would bring back shows featuring unique specialty items like these. But they probably wouldn't generate enough sales dollars to please current management.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

stevieb — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:05:41 GMT

I don't go that far back but this kind of show sounds fascinating. It really is too bad QVC has become so rigid in their approach to programming and so incredibly run of the mill.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

jetts_mom — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:25:03 GMT

I don't remember those shows, but I may have still been on CVN at that time. It sounds wonderful! Even once QVC did buy out CVN, back in those early days there was such fun and varied programming.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

RainyDayGal — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:29:17 GMT

Funny you should post this as I was JUST thinking about this the other day. Weren't they usually hosted by Dan Wheeler also? I really miss this one show. Yes, so many good shows are now gone.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

Local — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:35:30 GMT

Fr John Perich. He's alive and well. Still pastor of his church and selling his artifacts. We see him twice a year at his church bazaars about 5 miles south of West Chester. St Herman of Alaska.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

SuesCat — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:51:45 GMT

I remember the Father John shows and products! I was just trying to recall who usually hosted... was it Dan Wheeler? I wasn't sure if he was there back then, so i thought maybe Steve Bryant or Bob Bowersox (sp?). I loved all the Matruskas and other items, but i was always fascinated with the fossilized bugs, etc. in the amber!

Local ~ that's sweet news that Fr. John is still in the area with his Church!

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

Topaz Gem — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:29:08 GMT

I don't remember the Russian shows per se, but I do remember shows featuring products from other countries and I loved them. I bought some really nice beer glasses from Germany, a few Asian cooking items from an Asian-themed cooking show, and I remember the beautiful cuckoo clocks from Switzerland. QVC's programming was much more interesting back then.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

glamwitch — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 06:03:37 GMT

SuesCat and RedConvertibleGirl, you're correct - Dan Wheeler was usually the host for the Father John shows. I remember Mary Beth subbing for Dan at least once.

So glad to hear that Father John is still around and doing well!

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

rosie03 — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 07:37:35 GMT

I remember those shows. Loved the nesting dolls and cloisonné spoons.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

Venezia — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:35:50 GMT

I remember the shows in the "old days", with all the unusual items. Now it's just the same old, same old over and over again. There is a limit to how much clothing, jewelry and makeup I need (or want).

I especially miss the German Oktoberfest shows and the Black Forest cuckoo clocks they featured, amongst other things.

It seems QVC made a decision when they hired Mike George (? formerly with Dell) to go generic. That was when they also stopped Kirk's Folly from bringing in the magical fairyland sets and made them sit at a plain table. (BAD move - ruined the atmosphere of the shows!) Most of what they sell is either their own in-house brand (e.g. Susan Graver) or something we can get just about anywhere else for less money or with free shipping.

I'm watching and buying less all the time. I seldom have QVC on the TV now and when I do record something, I just fast-forward through it to see what was on offer.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

Group 5 minus 1 — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:49:46 GMT

I remember Father John. Thought he brought some intelligence to his shows.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

Hibi — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 21:28:49 GMT

I'd forgotten all about him, but I remember those shows. QVC used to have more interesting shows. Stuff you couldn't find in local stores. Now its not much different than buying from some store online. Sad.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

issiestorm — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 07:54:30 GMT

As a matter of fact, the first item I ever bought from QVC was an amber spider pin from one of his shows. Bob Bowersox was the host. I remember his shows very well, they were very interesting, and I was disappointed when they suddenly disappeared.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

ennui1 — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 08:05:54 GMT

I remember some amber shows. I still have the romance cards.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

just wonder — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:45:35 GMT

I absolutely LOVED the Russian collectibles shows and would love to see them return. We certainly need new blood and variety in the QVC shows. Another collectible show I really miss is Capodimonte shows.

Plenty of timeslots available; quit showing so much Dyson, computers, blenders, mattresses and the like, especially all day on weekends and bring back beautiful collectible shows!

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

KYToby — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:33:46 GMT

QVC can sell tens of thousands of vacuums, blenders, computers and mattresses in a single day -- with hundreds of dollars in profits for each item. There is not enough Capodimonte or Russian collectibles in the world. They are in the business to make as much profit as possible -- something they cannot do with question products with slim profit margins now that this type of merchandise is available online (something not there when QVC began).

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

ilovedaisies — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:42:12 GMT

I remember the Russian shows, the German shows and the cuckoo clock shows. Great fun and interesting, too.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

ValuSkr — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:43:13 GMT

I agree, bring back Father John and his matryoshka dolls. And, to be fair, give equal time to Ukrainian pysanka (Easter eggs).

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

trixiechick — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:54:26 GMT

Joan Rivers had some beautiful eggs too.

Re: Remember the Russian collectibles shows?

ValuSkr — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:40:35 GMT

On 3/25/2014 weeness said:
Joan Rivers had some beautiful eggs too.

Yes, she did. Thank you for reminding me.