I think I may have found the perfect career! Unfortunately, this would require relocation to West Chester, PA. No offense to the folks of West Chester but I am thinking this isn't exactly the cultural epicenter of the U.S. But what other job would indulge my fashion and beauty passions while allowing me to appear on television and chat with complete strangers about Easy Pay and the advantages of a Tourmaline Hair Drier!
Occasionally while channel surfing, I stop at QVC, mostly when makeup, beauty products, or exercise equipment is being sold. I have never missed FFANY, an annual footwear and handbag event to raise money for breast cancer research and support. The only purchases I have ever made are a few Maxx NY handbags and some Bare Escentuals makeup. I do have friends who have ordered interesting housecleaning equipment and Pilates machines. I don't think I have ever met anyone who has bought a Quacker Factory Christmas sweater but, then again, I live in L.A.
QVC, for the uninitiated, stands for Quality, Value, Convenience. Founded by Joseph Segal in 1986, the shopping network features such retailing concepts as Easy Pay (paying by monthly installments), Today's Special Value, and One Time Only Value. The whole limited time introductory price idea is quite compelling. And the competition to acquire the limited number of items before start of the next show...
At the risk of sounding elitist, QVC to me represents middle America. Lots of polyester blends and elastic waistbands. Mom jeans. Comfortable shoes. Wrap skirts by Elizabeth Hasselbeck. Not a lot of sex appeal. However, some top names in beauty and hair have changed this. Ken Paves, Frederik Fekkai, Bare Escentuals, Smashbox. Maybe nothing we can't find at Sephora but still. Sometimes when a girl can't sleep at 2 am, there's something compelling about being able to purchase an eyeshadow kit from a stranger.
I am rather curious about all those call-in's who feel compelled to share their retail experiences with the rather pleasant hosts. Are these people so lonely they need to tell others about the lovely detailing of their Christmas sweaters? According to the website, "At QVC, we like to go to the phones during our shows to hear what you have to say about our products. Because these phone calls are live and uncensored, QVC cannot substantiate and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for claims made by viewers." I once watched a prank call on U-Tube involving a tabletop doorbell and a guy who claimed to live in a "shoebox by the train tracks." I wonder why more college students or other drunk dial types don't follow suit.
It seems QVC has gotten involved in some labor snafus regarding 401 (K)'s and discriminatory hiring practices. This doesn't really surprise me. And the past few retail cycles have seen a downturn, due to the economy as well as the proliferation of online shopping.
However, QVC still hosts studio tours and special weekends, including a Girls Weekend where you and your BFF's can road trip to West Chester, stay in a local hotel, visit the local outlet mall, and even lunch with your favorite QVC host!
Anyone in?
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