Q Talk

[stevieb]

Any aspect of this operation that used to be 'a cut above' seems to have fallen by the wayside... So tell me again, why should I be invested in their profits or, for that matter, their survival... I'm a customer, I'm concerned with my overall shopping experience, and it's none too special these days.

[needsmorecowbell]

I think there is something a bit misleading about this article.  They say almost half  of their business is on line..but it still doesn't mean the orders are not from consumers watching QVC TV then placing on line orders.  I never call in orders anymore, even though my order is  placed after seeing an item on air.  

I still feel most of their sales come from on air viewing.  I personally may see someithing which piques my interest, but will wait a while before I go on line and order.  

I think it would be hard for QVC to compete with direct on line sales without the on air components as their pricing is often higher than places such as Amazon..and also their lack of true sales and discounts., and shipping costs.  I often shop Macys dot com, as they have amazing sales,discounts..free shipping..and a plus is I can return items to the store at no cost.  

They are obviously doing many things right,as their sales are far exceeding other home shopping networks..they truly are kings in their genre.

[blackhole99]

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@Pearlee wrote:

With 45% of its sales from online shopping, as I posted once on another thread, it's really time for hosts to stop saying "run to the phone lines!"

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The hosts is probably one of the reasons the customers are doing their shopping online.LOL

[suzyQ3]

It's just amazing to me that so many "regulars" on this particular forum totally dismiss a business article based on facts. I read the one in the LAT, which may be a reprint of the one posted here (which I didn't read). I didn't see anything different from other business articles.

I'm speaking of the numbers and the stats derived from an increase in the use of technology; I'm not talking about inferences from the piece regarding opinions about hosts or programming or services -- all of which are heartily up for debate and opinions.

I guess some dismiss any business whose success is chronicled in the media as "puff" or as some kind of PR? And yet said people would praise any negative information till the cows come home.

Maybe some whose personas revolve around constant criticism are just a bit too invested in that process and can't abide anything that doesn't jibe with their mindset? Strange phenomenon.

[MomCat]

I am one who never believed QVC was going downhill.  It always puzzles me at some of the comments I see here that cannot be supported.  I buy from QVC, but I buy from lots of retailers.  In fact, while many are flocking to these shopping channels, I am again appreciating the storefronts.  Show me the best deal, and I'm in.   

[Spurt]

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@novamc1 wrote:

Just a little information and points to consider  that might be helpful in interpreting the story about QVC.  I believe, from reading many of the posts here, that there is some misunderstanding about a few things.

The story in question appeared in the Washington Post's business section and was definitely not a "press release or piece of fluff orchestrated by QVC".  It was a straight-up news feature focusing on topics of interest to people who invest in publicly traded companies, who have an interest in reading about TV retailing and shopping in general, and/or who are monitoring rapidlly developing changes  in media content and delivery.

I do not believe QVC actively promoted publication of the story at all, and certainly not because it's worried about competing with Amazon or is attempting to make some sort of point right before its quarterly earnings release.  The Washington Post happens to be owned  by Jeff Bezos, the founder and current CEO of Amazon.  I don't think QVC is unduly worried about Amazon, nor Amazon worried about QVC........everyone in the media industry, however,  is watching the dramatic changes in how media  content (from sports to movies to books and beyond) is delivered and used by the public.  Netflix has been a big mover and gamechanger in that regard, as was Amazon originally when it began selling books. 

The TV retailing  biz is bound to undergo more change than it has already, too. Every media originator,  from Disney to the TV networks and cable companies, is trying to stay on top of that change and stay relevant when fewer people are interested in watching a television or visiting a movie theater or buying a ticket to a sports game.  They can get the content right off of their phone or computer.

A business story covering QVC seems like a reasonable editorial choice for a newspaper with the holiday shopping season underway.  I wouldn't draw too many other  conclusions about motives for running the story or how it originated.  It looks like a routinely good piece of business journalism to me.  Obviously, some people would beg to differ with me on that.  Regardless, it sure was interesting to read, no?

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@novamc1  I will agree with you absolutely, positively "the times they are a changing" (as Bob Dylan once sang).....and retailers are scrambling to figure out  how to adapt to the rapid changes in the retail industry.  So does it even make good business sense for QVC to maintain the status quo and show the SAME merchandise for gift giving as they have done for the past several years now--- I mean how many Twister Trax, Flashpads, blenders, and vacuums can one purchase.... And as I and others pointed out, QVC attempts to adapt to the new age of retail ---ToGather, Spend The Trend, Oodles, and their celebrity lines have FLOPPED!!! 

And an article in BUSINESS INSIDER (a real investor publication) makes an interesting comment.....

As Americans shell out for items like iPhones and Netflix, they are increasingly unwilling to pay full price for sweaters and jeans. 

Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx and Ross are enjoying soaring sales. 

Millennials are spending less money on clothes, which is bad news for Macy's. In order to attract younger shoppers, the brand has been investing in trendier clothing lines and other categories like home goods and cosmetics. It also plans to open a lower-priced store similar to Nordstrom Rack.

This thought is being totally lost on QVC which continues to RAISE it's prices on clothing---and frankly you can find better deals at other retailers or in local stores.  And let's not forget QVC's "try on fee" (no more original shipping refunded on returns)....And that's not even calling into question the inconsistent sizing and some lines showing poor quality...

http://www.businessinsider.com/gap-closing-stores-as-abercrombie-and-j-crew-struggle-2015-6

http://www.businessinsider.com/top-clothing-brands-for-millennials-2015-6

Oh and the 3rd quarter results are in and a 1% decline for QVC (4% increase in U.S., BUT 10% decline for QVC International), prices increased 1%, ....jewelry sales continue to decline...and returns increased 21 basis points.......

http://ir.libertyinteractive.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=940621

Meanwhile TJ Maxx/Home Goods/Marshalls mentioned earlier had a 7% increase and Ross increased their sales9%........

Of course they don't have TV Channels, but one wonders why QVC even bothers any more since their programmming is so redundant not only month after month, but year after year, resulting in many customers watching and buying less.....It seems like a LOT of expense involved with host salaries, show producers, camera personnel, to sell 500 to1000 of a product and then giving part of those sales to cable companies....They would be better off shutting down the air waves and going totally online and one wonders if that is in their thoughts....lower overhead for sure...and not much worth watching anymore anyway.....go online and order and few products you are still satisified with---at least that is what I do....with few exceptions these days....

Interesting article you say---it's just someone in business putting a different spin on something....seems that I recall a certain Apple executive that took over JCP told reporters the same thing, in articles appearing in business sections of certain papers and even financial articles....but funny how his big vision for the company and spin he put on it didn't pan out......Some of these Retail Execs are much like todays weather personnel --- they have all this new technology and all these computer models to help predict the weather, yet their forecasts seem to be less and less accurate, much like these newspaper articles and spin that the Execs give out....

[Spurt]

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@suzyQ3 wrote:

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@novamc1 wrote:

Just a little information and points to consider  that might be helpful in interpreting the story about QVC.  I believe, from reading many of the posts here, that there is some misunderstanding about a few things.

The story in question appeared in the Washington Post's business section and was definitely not a "press release or piece of fluff orchestrated by QVC".  It was a straight-up news feature focusing on topics of interest to people who invest in publicly traded companies, who have an interest in reading about TV retailing and shopping in general, and/or who are monitoring rapidlly developing changes  in media content and delivery.

I do not believe QVC actively promoted publication of the story at all, and certainly not because it's worried about competing with Amazon or is attempting to make some sort of point right before its quarterly earnings release.  The Washington Post happens to be owned  by Jeff Bezos, the founder and current CEO of Amazon.  I don't think QVC is unduly worried about Amazon, nor Amazon worried about QVC........everyone in the media industry, however,  is watching the dramatic changes in how media  content (from sports to movies to books and beyond) is delivered and used by the public.  Netflix has been a big mover and gamechanger in that regard, as was Amazon originally when it began selling books. 

The TV retailing  biz is bound to undergo more change than it has already, too. Every media originator,  from Disney to the TV networks and cable companies, is trying to stay on top of that change and stay relevant when fewer people are interested in watching a television or visiting a movie theater or buying a ticket to a sports game.  They can get the content right off of their phone or computer.

A business story covering QVC seems like a reasonable editorial choice for a newspaper with the holiday shopping season underway.  I wouldn't draw too many other  conclusions about motives for running the story or how it originated.  It looks like a routinely good piece of business journalism to me.  Obviously, some people would beg to differ with me on that.  Regardless, it sure was interesting to read, no?

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I saw a similar article in today's LAT. It did not read at all like a "puff piece," but just like any other business article.

Seems that some just can't wrap their heads around anything that disturbs their ongoing negative view. Surely if we are to believe any negative articles, then we should give at least a nod to one that reveals how well QVC is doing.

I don't think it would hurt anyone or deprive them of the joy of continuing to post bad news and views. And it certainly doesn't mean that an individual has to like every Q program or host or product or whatever.

I have no dog in this fight as I don't buy much of anything from here. But fair is fair.

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@suzyQ3  And that portion of your sentence which I bolded seems to support us  Negative Nellies   Have a good weekend! 

[Spurt]

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@stevieb wrote:

Interesting. Another piece in the LA Times... The Q's PR Department has really been working overtime... Apparently their gold buyer isn't the only one calling in favors...

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@stevieb  I think you nailed it.....hmmmm.....perhaps a change needs to be made....3rd quarter results....jewelry continues to decline....between their prices and styles what can one say.....---

[Spurt]

@febe1  And to add to your excellent comments---returns are up 21 basis points....QVC is chasing away loyal customers....

[TY]

@Spurt

I read Linda Moss' fun Homeshoppingista blog and she has some of the stats from QVC's financials. While their overall revenue may have increased QVC sure took a hit on their foreign operations as those currencies tanked against the U.S. dollar.

https://homeshoppingista.wordpress.com/2015/11/05/qvc-sees-4-percent-gain-to-1-4-billion-in-third-qu...

I also noticed that returns are up too. I guess people won't keep ill fitting or poorly made items.