It’s True: HSN Hosts Chris Scanlon And Alicia Perez Are Gone

HSN’s PR Department answered our question about whether hosts Chris Scanlon and Alicia Perez are gone from the home shopping network.

“Following up on your question regarding Chris Scanlon and Alicia Perez, the answer is yes,” the HSN spokesman said in an email. “After being a valued and contributing employee for more than 21 years, Chris Scanlon is no longer with HSN. Alicia Perez is no longer with the company as well. We thank Chris and Alicia for their many contributions to HSN and wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Not much of a send-off for Scanlon, after more than two decades with HSN.

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Wall Street Journal Calls QVC John Malone’s ‘Bargain’

QVC got a valentine from The wall Street Journal Thursday.

A story in the “Heard on the Street” section, headlined “Chasing Liberty’s QVC Bargain,” lauded the home shopping network’s financials.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203554104577000053090148234.html

“It’s hard to age gracefully on television,” the lede of the story said. “But home-shopping networks are poised to become classics.”

The article noted that while brick-and-mortar retailers such as Wal-Mart are seeing sales declines, QVC has rebounded. Although its revenue dropped 6 percent in 2008, QVC is now posting single single-digit increases, according to The Journal.

The story also said that QVC’s core shoppers are women 35-to-64, not the demo that typically cuts its cable service.

The No. 1 home shopping network, part of cable cowboy John Malone’s Liberty Interactive, also boasts high margins.

Has Veteran HSN Host Chris Scanlon Skied Off Into The Sunset?

HSN PR is checking it out for us, but the buzz is that longtime host Chris Scanlon is leaving the home shopping network.

There have been a number of posts on forums and Scanlon’s Facebook page regarding her departure. She is no longer listed on HSN’s website as a host.

Here is what person wrote on Facebook.

“Her hubby was already a ski instructor there,an recently got hired full time,so they are moving from Florida to Colorado, if i understood Chris correctly…they were traveling back an forth, and the 2-boys are also into skiing, and Chris was in Florida and her hubby and one of the boys would be in Colorado for the winter, so i’m so happy, but yet sad also, but they will all be together now,as that is how it should be…will miss her on HSN !! but truly understand…family comes first..they all ski,by the way…”

Another HSN host, whose names escapes us, is also off HSN’s website. Can anyone help us out on who that was?

UPDATE: My Facebook friends said the other host gone is Alicia Perez.

HSN PR says it will get back to us by tomorrow.

‘Jersey Shore’ Meatball Snooki Bringing Her ‘Fragrance,’ and Her ‘Kooka,’ To HSN

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Truth is stranger than fiction. Or maybe it should be Snooki is stranger than fiction.

On Tuesday HSN put out a press release saying that it was bringing “the Jersey Shore to Your Door,” with Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi set to deliver her “Must Have” holiday gifts.

Does that include panties, because she sure needs a couple of pairs of those.And pray tell, what will her “fragrance” smell like?

HSN will have the world launch of Snooki’s signature fragrance during a one-time-only, two-hour primetime event on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.

This “fun-filled Holiday Event also Includes Snooki Handbags, Slippers, Sunglasses and ‘Crocodilly.'” Are those the sunglasses with the chains hanging down? We like them!

Here is the press release:

Known for her larger than life personality and her time on MTV’s #1 series “The Jersey Shore,” Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi joins HSN to launch her signature perfume called “Snooki” by Nicole Polizzi” and debut her new line that includes slippers, handbags, sunglasses and even a version of her beloved stuffed “Crocodilly,” just in time for the holidays.

“I can’t wait to appear on HSN and Snookifiy it! You will be able to buy my signature fragrance, slippers, sunglasses and you can even get your own Crocodilly!” said Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi. “They will make great gifts and I know the two hour event will be so much fun… be sure you tune in!”

The fragrance, “Snooki” by Nicole Polizzi, is a 3.3 Fl bottle and comes with an animal print black and pink tote. The line showcases various styles of sunglasses ranging from $20.00 to $30.00; Handbags from $34.99 to $69.00; Crocodilly from $19.90 to $34.90 and finally “Sneaker” slippers at $29.00.

First of all, do you really think that Snooki said that she can’t wait to appear on HSN?

Second of all, will she actually wear underwear so she doesn’t do the Sharon Stone-move from “Basic Instinct” to HSN’s viewers, flashing her “kooka.”

Third of all, how do you spell “kooka”?

And get a load of this bio that HSN did on her:

About Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is the #1 reality star in the world who’s known for her trademark indoor tan and stars in America’s #1 cable series and MTV’s #1 series of all time Jersey Shore (and in 2012 also in her own MTV spinoff series).

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has extraordinary star power and is a most-talked-about cultural phenomenon with a huge media platform: 3 million Twitter Followers (projected to exceed 5-6 million in 2012), 625,000 Facebook Fans (projected to exceed 1 million in 2012), averaging dozens of talk show appearances per year (as talk show hosts can’t get enough of Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi) and unparalleled online traffic (with a Google Search of “Snooki” giving an astounding 18,000,000 Results!).

Major manufacturers are eagerly signing licenses for the new “Snooki” brand, including for fragrance, beverages, indoor tanning salon products, social media and mobile Apps, live video online-sharing and celebrity voice messaging, with more licenses to be announced soon.

Snooki is what passes as a “cultural phenomenon” today. Lordy, lordy.

ShopNBC Makes Brooks Brothers’ Debut Official, Premiere Is Nov. 18

We’ve reported on this already, but Tuesday ShopNBC officially announced that Brooks Brothers is launching a clothing line on the network. The debut is Nov. 18.

The collection will premiere during ShopNBC’s All Star Event, and the one-hour show will be the brand’s first foray into TV home shopping. The Brooks Brothers collection at ShopNBC will feature women’s accessories in their well-known classic American style.

Brooks Brothers has an over 190-year legacy of crafting high-quality fashion and is known as the first ready-to-wear clothing retailer in America. Of course, it’s far too conservative for us. But here’s ShopNBC’s spin on it.

“As both makers and merchants of fine apparel and accessories, the brand’s timeless appeal has shaped American fashion
though innovation, exceptional quality and personal service,” ShopNBC said in its press release. “The classic wardrobe styles of Brooks Brothers have transcended generations from the office to weddings, to special occasions and holidays.

The Brooks Brothers’ premiere will feature leather handbags, cashmere wraps and silk scarves.

“Brooks Brothers is excited to work with ShopNBC,” Lou Amendola, chief merchandising officer at Brooks Brothers, said in a canned statement. “This is the first time we have offered our products in this format and we believe that this is a unique and modern way to reach women who are already drawn to our products or may be discovering them for the first time.”

And of course, ShopNBC had its say.

“We are thrilled to bring the Brooks Brothers legacy of classically styled, fine-quality merchandise to our viewers,” said Annette Repasch, ShopNBC’s chief merchandising officer. “The addition of Brooks Brothers to our fashion assortment provides our lady with classic wardrobe staples that fit her stylish lifestyle. We look forward to delighting the viewer this holiday season with must-have accessories that are sure to be on every wish list.”

Back To The Future: Shabby Chic Arrives At QVC Two Decades Too Late

Here’s a blast from the past: Shabby Chic.

Back in the day, in the late 1980s, Rachel Ashwell made rounding up all furniture and accessories quite fashionable. Now Ashwell is coming to QVC with her Treasures by Shabby Chic collection.

Here’s the boilerplate from the home shopping network:

Vintage-inspired Style

Created in 1989 by Rachel Ashwell, Shabby Chic’s practical & timeless style marries great design with casual ease. This vintage-inspired collection embraces the beauty of imperfection & the comforts of home. Shop an inviting array of relaxed accents & fill each room with flair & elegance.

Treasures by Shabby Chic will air Wednesday from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The pickin’s include rugs, furniture and votive candles.

HSN, Conde Nast Cook Up ‘Bon Appetit’ Branded Kitchen Collection

HSN and magazine publisher Conde Nast are creating a new collection of culinary products under the label of Bon Appetit, the gourmet rag, that will be available exclusively on the home shopping network in January, they announced Monday.

The agreement is part of a successful ongoing relationship that began between Conde Nast and HSN in 2008 and represents the type of licensing venture Conde Nast is most interested in pursuing for its iconic portfolio.

At the Jan. 31 debut the collection will include stainless steel cookware; small appliances including pressure cookers and immersion blenders; as well as cutlery and prep tools. Each item will be produced in partnership with Bon Appetit experts and rigorously vetted in the magazine’s test kitchen. New additions to the collection will be added every other month.

We’re told that Bon Appetit’s resources will be utilized to bring the brand to life on HSN. Experts from the Bon Appetit Test Kitchen will appear on-air to offer tips, recipes and cooking demonstrations to HSN customers.

“We’re delighted to be able to work so closely with HSN to develop a collection of high quality products for our readers,” Bon Appetite editor in chief Adam Rapoport said in a canned statement. “In the magazine, we often talk about the tools needed to bring a menu to life, and therefore we felt it was extremely important to create a line that would allow home cooks to get the most from their favorite recipes and strengthen the trust readers already have in Bon Appetit.”

Bill Brand, HSN’s executive vice president of programming, marketing and business development, also chimed in.

“HSN is excited to deepen our partnership with Bon Appetit and extend our strategic marketing relationship with Conde Nast,” Brand said. “This brand partnership leverages Bon Appetit’s rich editorial content with HSN’s ability to develop great products and one-of-a-kind consumer experiences.”

And here’s another exec.

“We are very excited about the Bon Appetit collection because it represents the licensing model we wish to pursue in the future,” said Julie Michalowski, senior vice president consumer business development. “With HSN, we’re working closely with an exceptional organization that understands our brands and sells directly to the consumer. We are integrally involved in all facets of the products’ development and marketing strategies, and we know that the end product will accurately reflect the spirit and quality of the Bon Appetit brand.”

Jewelry Designer Dallas Prince Returns To ShopNBC With Today’s Top Value

Jewelry Designer Dallas Prince has returned to ShopNBC from HSN with a bang, having the No. 3 home shopping network’s Sunday Today’s Top Value. It is a 3.30cw multi-gemstone Etruscan ring, Prince’s first Top Value in three years.

The ring comes in two versions, one in aquamarine and silver and the other in garnet and gold. It sells for $200.

Dallas Prince is back, and ShopNBC has got her

Here’s the hype from ShopNBC’s website:

Electrify your look with this extravagant Etruscan ring. Back for the first time in three years, Dallas Prince brings you this must-have bauble as Today’s Top Value. Enjoy the radiance of an aquamarine or rhodolite center stone glowing atop a wide, textured band. The ring also boasts a low profile, making it suitable for everyday wear and evening events alike!

Crafted from polished rhodium plated sterling silver, the first option features an oval cushion cut 9 x 7mm aquamarine, two trillion cut 5.5mm peridots, and six round cut 2mm white topaz stones in bezel settings. You may also choose a design crafted from gold plated sterling silver that features an oval cut 9 x 7mm rhodolite surrounded by two trillion cut aquamarines and six round cut 2mm white topaz stones, all in channel settings.

Welcome back Dallas!

Goth Rocker Jewelry Designer Loree Rodkin A Bit Too Cool For HSN, So She Seems To Think

Did anyone have the same reaction to gothic, rock ‘n roll jewelry designer Loree Rodkin that we did?

We thought she was acting like it was a bit beneath her — a woman who has designed for First Lady Michelle Obama and Steve Tyler, among many other celebs — to be hawking her wares on HSN.

The Loree Rodkin ring that Steven Tyler wears on his pinky

We only caught some of her show at the end of the day, so maybe she had just fading and tire.

Apparently, Cher had called in earlier to cheer Rodkin on.

Tyler wears one of the rings that Rodkin was selling, which incorporates peace signs, on his pinky. It came in three colors, gunmetal, gold and silver. Tyler, most recently of “American Idol” fame, has the ring in gunmetal.

It was $25, but we have a feeling Tyler’s version is in real previous metals with diamonds.

The Jury Is In: High-end Jewelry Designer John Hardy’s QVC Line Stunk, To Put It Bluntly

Upscale jewelry designer John Hardy’s line for QVC debuted this week, and home shopping fans had the same reaction that we did: We were underwhelmed.

QVC’s TSV was a cuff bracelet from the line, which is called Angela by John Hardy. We caught Angela Lindvall, a blonde ex-model, when she was on with host Rick Domeier.

Lindvall couldn’t stop talking about how she was a free spirit who is as comfortable at red carpet events as she is visiting folks in her hometown of Kansas City. Free spirit, free smirit.

It’s like sex: If you have to keep boasting about how good you are at it, you’re probably really not that great. If you have to keep bragging about how much a free spirit you are, are you really one?

As posters on QVC’s forums wrote, the Hardy pieces were nondistinct, looking like the Balinese jewelry you can buy from Samuel B on ShopNBC or Lois Hill at places like Nordstrom. Others said that the QVC Hardy jewelry reminded them of Brighton.

And the collection was not only pricey but in some cases it incorporated Diamonique, better known as cubic zirconia. That really cheapened the collection. And one necklace was priced at $900.

As QVC poster CamilleP wrote, “Oh my stars and garters! They slap a designer name on a 36″ cubic zirconia and sterling silver necklace and they want OVER NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR IT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

The Q has totally jumped the shark with this designer, I don’t care if he is immortal and built the Pyramids, the Parthenon, the Colisseum, the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge, Macchu Piccu, the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower, and the Sydney Opera House, NOBODY’S name is enough to make me pay nearly a thousand dollars for a 36″ silver and diamonique station chain!!!”

You go girl!

One thread was called “I’m Sorry But I Can Buy ‘Real’ John Hardy For Some Of The Prices.” So true.

VisaQueen also chimed in.

“You can get the real Hardy jewelry at Last Call and get much better quality at similar price points,” she wrote. “It isn’t always online, but it IS available at their stores and they feature online major discounts (like 30-40% off of THEIR discounted price) a few times a year. Real stones. Real diamonds. Just sayin’.”

Yesterday at TJ Maxx we saw a “real” John Hardy pendant, a rectangle of black onyx surrounded by diamond chips, for $500. The manufacturer’s suggested price was $1,200.

The workmanship was impeccable. The back of the piece had a dragon inscribed on it.

That pendant outdid anything QVC had, including that $900 silver station necklace with CZ.