Q Talk

[TY]

https://homeshoppingista.wordpress.com/2019/03/24/qvc-shutters-french-home-shopping-network/

According to Linda Moss’ Homeshoppingista’s blog, QVC France closed up shop on March 13. 

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Sounds like a reasonable business decision.

[Caaareful Shopper]

Wow.  Yep, here’s the newswire release from Qurate:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qurate-retail-group-to-cease-operations-of-qvc-france-effec...

In short, the statement includes: 

“WEST CHESTER, Pa., March 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Qurate Retail Group, which includes the QVC brand, announced today that it will cease operations of its television network and digital platforms in France, effective March 13, 2019 at 2 p.m. local time.

"The decision to halt our QVC France operation was carefully considered, as QVC France had underperformed against financial and operational expectations, in large part due to unique in-market structural challenges and market dynamics that evolved in the years following the launch of the operation. We determined that these challenges were impacting our ability to develop our business in the manner we expected," said Aidan O'Meara, President, Qurate Retail Group International. "We want to thank our QVC France team members for their dedication, commitment, and professionalism throughout this period."

There’s a lot more about financials, and mentioning the other QVC businesses.

Interesting that all operations stopped at QVC France on March 13, which is exactly the same day the Beauty iQ channel came to an end.  That may be a coincidence, but I always thought that was odd — to cease operations, without warning, on a Wednesday.  Perhaps there were funding investments or other business issues shared by QVC France & Beauty iQ. 

[shaggygirl]

"unique in-market structural challenges & market dynamics". I wonder if that's just fancy wording for "nobody was buying"? I also wonder if French women wear Denim & Co. And I wonder if Quacker Factory is a big seller there.

[Harpa]

Really...? Can you imagine trying to sell LOGO over there?

[ValuSkr]

My impression of the French is that they're more thriifty than Americans, that they're less inclined to discard old stuff and buy new just because they can.  Perhaps Q's business model didn't anticipate this. 

[chrystaltree]

Good business decsion.  

[shaggygirl]

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@ValuSkr wrote:

My impression of the French is that they're more thriifty than Americans, that they're less inclined to discard old stuff and buy new just because they can.  Perhaps Q's business model didn't anticipate this. 

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@ValuSkr 

Is it the French who have the reputation for buying a few good classic pieces and accessorizing them beautifully rather than spending on a lot of trendy (hi-lo - sharkbite - cold shoulder for example) clothing?

[PamfromCT]

I agree.  French women have the reputation for being extremely fussy about what they buy, and therefore buy much less.  Therefore, they buy top quality and are prepared to pay top prices.

[wonderfulworld]

And they wear lots of scarves.