QVC To Offer ‘Adaptive’ Clothing, For Those Disabled Or In Wheelchairs

QVC will be debuting its first so-called “adaptive” and size-inclusive collection, in part for those who are wheelchair-bound, via its private Denim & Co. brand.

The merchandise in the collection has a variety of adaptive features such as hook-and-loop closures, magnets, pull loops and shoulder openings, all available in sizes ranging from XXS to 3X, WWD reported on Friday.

“The collection includes a faux suede jacket, denim shirt with full zipper access, zipper cardigan, comfy knit ankle pant and comfy knit jeans available in wheelchair designs, all ranging in price from $60 to $80,” WWD said. “Additional items with expanded accessible and adaptive features will launch every month.”

The clothing will bow on QVC.com on Tuesday and will debut on-air on Friday.

QVC told WWD that it had aleady established some accessible and adaptive product offerings as part of its effort to create inclusive shopping experiences.

“All bottoms in the brand extension will be offered in adaptive wheelchair designs,” according to WWD. “Wheelchair pants have adjusted fit points including a reduced front rise, increased back-rise, and the removal of back pockets and back yoke, in addition to features like waterproof pocket linings, functional ankle vents and pull-up loops to ensure ease of dressing.”

WWD added, “Other considerations were changing buttons to potentially a magnet, or going from a button to a hook and loop, or even putting a pull on a zipper that has a ring on it, so it’s easier to pull down. They also used magnetic zippers.”

On-air, QVC plans to have a wheelchair-using model and other models from the disability community to show the products.

More than 60 million Americans, or roughly 25% of the population, lives with a temporary or lifelong disability, and 56 million Americans are 65 or older, according to data cited by QVC.

Updated: Ex-QVC Host Lisa Robertson Is Getting Married, Closing Down Her Business

Wow, everyone is getting married but us!

Former QVC host Lisa Robertson announced on Facebook on Friday that she is getting hitched soon, and as a result she will be retiring and winding down her own business selling jewelry and apparel.

In a post with the headline “Next Steps,” Robertson said with her nuptials pending she has a new set of priorities and is looking to devote more time to her personal life.

She didn’t identify him, but published reports said her beau is her long-term squeeze and personal fitness trainer, Eric McGee. He’s about a decade younger than her. Good for her!

We stand corrected on the groom-to-be and the graf above is not correct. Our smart readers pointed out that Robertsons beau is Jeffrey Lawrence, who has an adult daughter who worked for her business.

Thanks for the info and 411, ladies!

This news follows on the heels of QVC host Jennifer Coffey announcing her engagement. She did a livestream introducing her fiancée, and he was quite delightful. A charing chap with a British accent. He’s in finance. Ka-ching.

They got together via Bumble, which some of his associates are apparently involved in on the business side. They met the same day that he swiped for her, and 11 hours later he was off the dating website.

She, like us, had apparently been on online dating sites for quite some time.

Looking into her eyes that night apparently sealed the deal for him.

Congrats to all.

JTV Claims Janyl Sherman’s Sarda Copyright Infringement Suit Is ‘Without Merit’

We blogged yesterday about Sarda, the company of Bali jewelry designer Janyl Sherman, filing a lawsuit accusing JTV of copyright infringement.

Sherman had been on the home shopping network for years before abrupty exiting earlier this year.

JTV sent us a response to the litigation today.

“We were saddened to see that Sarda filed a lawsuit against us last week. The lawsuit is without merit. As our longstanding customers know, we developed and own the Artisan of Bali brand and invested significantly to make this line of jewelry available to our customers. Bali is full of artisans and designers that make wonderful jewelry, and we enjoy bringing new creations to our customers,” the network said.

“There are always two sides to every story,” JTV continued. “In the response we’ll file with the court in the near future, we’ll detail the ways that both Sarda and Janyl Sherman violated their agreements with JTV and how their actions have caused significant damage to our company.”

Janyl Sherman’s Sarda Sues JTV For Alleged Copyright Infringement

The break-up of Janyl Sherman, the designer behind the Artisan of Bali jewelry line, and JTV has gotten contentious.

Sherman’s company, Sarda, last Friday filed suit against the home shopping network charging it with copyright infringement. The complaint was filed in the Eastern District Court in Tennessee in Knoxville. Documents also claim that JTV owes Sarda $1.3 million.

After many years as a JTV vendor Sherman and JTV abruptly parted ways. When we blogged about it in February, the administrator of Sherman’s Facebook page came after us. We couldn’t figure it out. It was a pretty innocent blog, just stating the facts as we knew them. Vendors and shopping channels go different ways all the time. No biggie usually. But it was a big deal to us because Sherman had been on JTV so long.

There were many documents filed for the copyright case, and Sherman’s beef with JTV dates back to at least January. At the time, Sarda’s attorney sent JTV a cease-and-desist letter, charging that the network was unlawfully reproducing and selling jewelry that infringed, knocked off, the company’s Bali designs. They were described as “counterfeit/look-alike styles” in legal papers.

“We are aware, for example, of a number of JTV shows advertising the Bella Luce band and other brands in which the host explicitly compared JTV’s designs to those owned by Sarda,” the letter says.

“In a few instances, the JTV show host admits that the pieces were intentionally designed to reproduce or create derivatives of Sarda’s propriety designs,” the letter says. “This behavior is completely unacceptable and a clear violation of Sarda’s rights. Unfortunately, this appears to be the way JTV prefers to do business: JTV has run afoul of Sarda’s intellectual property rights in the past.”

There are also numerous photos of JTV jewelry, including Bella Luce pieces, that look remarkably like Sherman’s Bali pieces when placed side by side. Just say-in.

That letter was dated Jan. 11, but we guess the issue wasn’t resolved because now Sarda is suing.
The legal papers include copies of Sherman’s contract with JTV, like her vendor services agreement. That includes how many hours Sherman had to appear on-air and how many hours she had to be allowed between appearances.

JTV declined to comment on Wednesday but said it would have a statement later this week.

As an aside, we were amused by the appearance standards for JTV guests.

They are told to wear solid colors; avoid large prints; avoid wearing black, white and vibrant intense greens; no sleeveless tops or dresses unless with a sweater or jacket; and avoid “shapeless clothing … as it can make a person look larger.”

As for hands, “a manicure is strongly recommended” and “French, natural French and clear polish show bet on-air.”

Home Shopping Veteran Libby Floyd Starts Line For Park Lane Jewelry

Home shopping veteran, as a host and brand ambassador, Libby Floyd is striking out on her own.

She is partnering with Park Lane jewelry, which she described to us as “a family owned business for over 65 years with beautiful jewelry and incredible customer incentives.”

Floyd said she will be doing weekly shows on her website, and of course you will be able to buy items there 24/7. And we just saw she is using the name Elizabeth Floyd.

We missed the launch of her first live jewelry show since we work like slaves for our day job.

Here is one of the links she sent us: myparklane.com/libbyfloyd.

Or find her on Facebook.

We always thought she was a class act so check it out. She did stints on ShopHQ and JTV previously.

ShopHQ Is Acquired Out Of Bankruptcy By Broadcaster RNN In $50 Million Deal

ShopHQ wasn’t lying when it filed for bankruptcy but claimed it had a buyer. A dinky TV station group that we seem to remember from our years covering cable has emerged as its acquirer in a deal valued at $50 million.

ShopHQ late Friday announced it had entered into an asset and equity purchase agreement with RNN National Media Group, which is based in Rye, New York. The home shopping network said the deal will “be consummated through court-supervised process” and the channel’s operations will continue uninterrupted.

The press release described RNN “as a privately owned portfolio of independent broadcast assets and production and distribution capabilities.” We understand that some of RNN’s TV stations carry ShopHQ.

In 1993 RNN was established with a single broadcast station in New York’s Hudson Valley, reaching less than 250,000 homes. Over the subsequent years, it has grown to own the largest group of independent broadcast stations in the United States reaching one third of U.S. TV households and owning 10 TV stations in eight of the Top 10 television markets. The station group reaches over 20 million cable and satellite households and over 4 million over-the-air-only households, according to Friday’s news.

The sale translates to about $50 million of transaction value, plus the assumption of certain liabilities, contracts and ongoing expenses, according to the announcement.

ShopHQ said it plans to do the close the transaction with RNN through its ongoing Chapter 11 cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

“We are excited to announce this major transaction, which will provide the company with the platform to grow and build value for all of our stakeholders,” James Alt, Chief Transformation Officer of iMedia, the shopping channel’s parent, said in a statement.

“RNN is the ideal partner to position iMedia for its next growth phase and we look forward to being a part of RNN’s suite of broadcast assets and providing our valued customers the assortment of brands they’re looking for through engaging and informative content,” Alt said. “Our employees, vendors, partners, and hosts remain our priority as we work together to position the business for its next chapter.”

It looks like ShopHQ’s management will be staying, which doesn’t give us much encouragement about the network’s future. These guys failed. Why are they apparently being able to stick around?

“Today’s announcement will position iMedia to continue serving our dedicated customer base as we strive to capitalize on the convergence of entertainment, ecommerce, and advertising,” ShopHQ CEO Tim Peterman said in a statement. “RNN’s television platform in the U.S., together with its culture, reputation, and expertise, provides a strong partner for our company.”

So ShopHQ, which lost carriage from major distributors like Dish Network, will get a berth on the channel lineups of RNN’s stations. Big whoop.

“RNN is excited to acquire iMedia Brands, its assets, and its talented staff,” Richard French Jr. President and CEO of RNN, said in a statement. “As an incredibly important player in the retail space with strong customer relationships, iMedia is poised for unprecedented success as part of the RNN portfolio. We look forward to working with iMedia’s partners to continue providing desirable products to customers well into the future.”

The proposed transaction, which remains subject to higher or better offers, is otherwise expected to close in August. The sale must be approved by the bankruptcy court.

In connection with the proposed transaction, the court approved $15 million in new debtor-in-possession financing from certain of ShopHQ’s existing secured lenders and RNN. The new financing, together with cash generated from ongoing operations, will provide sufficient liquidity to support the company’s operations during the sale process.

ShopHQ has also received court’s approval of a number of customary motions to continue supporting its operations during the Chapter 11 cases, including the continued payment of employee wages and benefits and normal programming on its networks without interruption.

Due to the pending asset sale and related court proceedings, ShopHQ suspended its earnings calls and future investor conference participation. The network will use its SEC filings and press releases for its updates for the foreseeable future.

Ropes & Gray LLP and Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP are serving as legal counsel, Lincoln International LLC is serving as investment banker, Huron Consulting Group is serving as financial adviser, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategy and communications advisor to ShopHQ.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP are serving as legal counsel to RNN.

QVC’s Jai Jewelry Has Another New Brand Ambassador?

We all know that the beloved Scott Grimes has left as creative director of QVC’s Jai jewelry collection, although the grapevine says he’ll be back with another project for the network.

We have seen the woman who was replacing him several times on the air — God forgive us we can’t recall her name — and sad to say we were not impressed. Nor were a lot of other viewers, from what we heard.

Then tonight we saw a post on Facebook that said another young woman, Angela, was going to be the Jai brand ambassador. Did we imagine this? What’s up?

QVC Host Jennifer Coffey Is Engaged

Here’s a heart-warming story for folks like us. QVC host Jennifer Coffey just got engaged.

She had posted on Facebook that her honey had planned a surprise trip this weekend for her, to Nantucket we believe. But today she offered an update, with photos of her handsome guy.

“You didn’t know that for months before we met, I’d say goodnight to you just before I’d fall asleep. In my mind and heart, that pillow was never empty.

You didn’t know I’d daydreamed this moment so many times, and that the daydream would bring tears of joy to my eyes again and again. Even though all those years I didn’t know your name.

You didn’t know I’d almost given up.

Almost.

And I didn’t know you’d almost given up too. Almost.

But what is meant for us will always find us. And I am so grateful we found eachother. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do babe.

Let’s do this. Forever.”

Congrats to all.

Longtime QVC Vendor Judith Ripka Moving Over To JTV

The home shopping world has been full of surprises the past few days and here’s the latest one: one-time high-end jewelry designer and veteran QVC vendor Judith Ripka is jumping over to JTV.

The news was reported last week on Ripka’ Facebook page, although weirdly enough the deal was formally announced back in April in a press release from the owner of Ripka’s firm, Xcel Brands.

The FB post said, “We are incrediby pround to announce that Judith Ripka signatue jewelry is coming to JTV this fall.”

https://www.facebook.com/JudithRipka/videos/759091459332032

There was also a link to early access to Ripka’s new JTV collection, which incorporates the network’s Bella Luce diamond simulant. https://bit.ly/44vMzwx 

When Ripka came to QVC decades ago her pieces incorporated real gemstones and were gorgeous. We bought some, but fell out of love with the line when she started using QVC’s fake diamonds, Diamonique, in her pieces.

Most receently, Ripka was not repping the brand on-air, her daughter-in-law was, we believe.

Any way, here the press release that was issued earlier this year. As you will see, Xcel owns a number of brands that are sold on QVC.

Press release:

JTV to Sell Judith Ripka Jewelry Through Its Live TV Broadcasts and on JTV.com

NEW YORK, April 14, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB), a media and consumer products company with billions of dollars in retail sales through livestream shopping, and JTV®, the national jewelry retailer and broadcast network, today announced a new licensing agreement that will see Judith Ripka fine jewelry sold on JTV.com beginning in June and through the network’s live TV broadcasts beginning in August.

“We’re excited to launch this partnership,” said Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands. “The JTV team’s commitment to jewelry, digital retail and live broadcasting, coupled with their superior manufacturing expertise, make them an ideal licensing partner. We have committed to significant on-air time with the network, and we’re confident this will be a highly successful collaboration.”

Founded in 1993, JTV is one of the top jewelry companies in the US, with one of the largest assortments of jewelry, gemstones and jewelry-making products available from a single-source retailer. JTV serves consumers through live broadcasts 24 hours a day from six high-definition studios to millions of homes. The company also conducts online business through its e-commerce site, mobile apps, streaming devices and social media platforms.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Xcel and bring this iconic brand to our audience through our e-commerce site and live broadcasts,” said Tim Matthews, CEO and President of JTV. “We believe our customers will love Judith Ripka jewelry, and look forward to giving them ample opportunities to learn about and purchase the brand.”

Under the new agreement, JTV will also license the Judith Ripka e-commerce platform, JudithRipka.com. The partnership is the latest step in Xcel Brands’ evolution as it builds a live-selling ecosystem supported by authentic, trusted brand representatives and sellers. The company continues to strategically invest in livestreaming technology platforms and partnerships that enable it to connect its brands directly with consumers.

Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production, marketing, livestreaming, wholesale distribution and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands.

Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment and social media as one thing. Xcel owns the Judith Ripka, Halston, LOGO by Lori Goldstein, and C. Wonder brands and a minority stake in the Isaac Mizrahi brand. It also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true omni-channel sales strategy that includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital livestream shopping, brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce channels. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $3 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone.

Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant livestreaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing and licensing experience and has a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. With an experienced team of professionals focused on design, production and digital marketing, Xcel maintains control of product quality and promotion across all of its product categories and distribution channels. Xcel differentiates by design. http://www.xcelbrands.com