So many companies do this (FedEx, Taco Bell, Bed Bath Beyond, a lot of chain restaurants, banks, the federal government) - for example a 30 year lease back and at the end of the 30 years they get ownership of a property back (while someone else in the meantime paid for improvements, maintenance, etc.). Whether QVC is in trouble or not I have no clue but many companies do this to improve their balance sheet and minimize risk.