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HSN hosts react to the end of an era in St. Pete
L.L. Kirchner, who has guest-hosted HSN programming for the past nine years, expressed disbelief over the cable shopping network shuttering its sprawling St. Petersburg campus after a 47-year run.
However, the local author and screenwriter noted sales had trended downward in recent years. “I wondered how long they would keep doing it,” Kirchner said. “But then it seemed like they kept doing it … So, I thought, well, they must be making more money than I’m aware of.”
HSN’s parent company, Qurate Retail Group (QVC), announced Wednesday it would close the massive complex in St. Peterburg’s Gateway area sometime this year. The once-rival home shopping networks will consolidate operations in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
A spokesperson later told the Catalyst that QVC anticipates “role eliminations” at a facility that once employed 2,500 people. The company will maintain a customer service and experience remote workforce in St. Petersburg.
The spokesperson said local employees would learn their fate by the end of March. QVC is now determining its plans for the roughly 369,000-square-foot site at 2501 118th Ave. N, which could be on the market before the end of 2025.
“It’s weird because I was surprised,” Kirchner said. “And yet, when my rational brain sort of took over, I was not as surprised.”
L.L. Kirchner and her dog, Hartley. Photo provided.
In 2017, QVC purchased its main competitor for $2.6 billion. At the time, HSN employed about 2,500 workers in St. Petersburg.
The company announced 350 people would lose their jobs in 2018. QVC laid off another 400 people in 2023.
According to the announcement, HSN will begin broadcasting in West Chester, a Philadelphia suburb, by the third quarter. Kirchner, who coincidentally quit her gig as a guest host (due to time constraints) two days before receiving the news, doesn’t expect many of her colleagues to make the trip.
“We don’t work for HSN,” she explained. “We have a skillset, but it can be learned. And they have guest hosts in that area, so I would assume nobody in my position will move.”
Kirchner compared guest hosts to freelance writers. She also noted on-air talent worked remotely during the pandemic.
Kirchner wondered if climate change and an unprecedented hurricane season influenced QVC’s decision. “You have so many events, where it has an impact on whether people can get to the studio,” she said.
While she didn’t “feel qualified” to opine on the closure’s local economic impacts, Kirchner hopes a company establishes a commercial production studio at the site or a university transforms it into an educational space.
“I just feel like it would be a terrific shame to lose that as a resource,” she said. “We have a lot of great acting talent … but it affects so many people. There are makeup artists, camera people, lighting people – it’s not just on-air talent.”
Local actress and entrepreneur Rhonda Shear believes QVC will sell the property to a developer. She noted the area, near the Carillon Office Park, needs affordable housing and shopping options.
Shear, a recurring HSN guest host, also agreed with Kirchner’s sentiment. However, her own multimedia studio will soon open across the street from the campus.
The building and business, dubbed Shear Media, will accommodate film, television, music and podcast production. The facility will also feature a full-service kitchen, showers, makeup stations, sets and a small speakeasy.
“I think this will be an amazing opportunity for Shear Media to pick up production for vendors who live in the area who don’t have sets or the capability on their own,” Shear said. “We are excited about the opportunity.”
She said the facility will have a soft opening in February before a formal launch in March. “We are already talking about expanding, and so many people have reached out.”
Rhonda Shear on a recent HSN podcast. Her new studio will open across the street the shopping network’s campus in north St. Petersburg. Screengrab, YouTube.
According to QVC’s announcement, the reorganization is part of its plan to boost sales through live social shopping. In addition to bolstering its social media presence, the company hopes to amplify its streaming platform.
“We have the deepest appreciation to the State of Florida and the St. Petersburg community for their support and dedication over HSN’s 47-year history,” said Stacy Bowe, president of the HSN brand and U.S. merchandising, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to delighting our customers as we make this transition to our new home.”
Home Textiles Today reported that QVC and HSN took a combined net loss of $15 million in the third quarter of 2024, a $27 million year-over-year swing. “The thing that they’re battling with right now is that they were previously the influencer,” Kirchner opined.
“They don’t prop up the guests or the hosts all that much,” she added. “They want people to associate their purchases with HSN. And people connect with other people in this day and age.”
Phyllis
February 17, 2025at12:42 pm
I am not happy of this either. I have shopped at both HSN and QVC. I have enjoyed a few of the host like Kim Gravel and Jen Coffey, Debbie D. and Nicole Hickle and Guest Malley. Then you have host that pushes your nerves that needs to go from QVC like Jane and we know why she sticks around, Rachel that continues to hog the show and then there is Shawn. Hmm.
I am sadden the employees are making a choice to move or stay just have employment due to greed. What a world we live in. People have lives and families and bills. I pray for you all.
Betty Bryant
February 6, 2025at1:34 pm
I will be closing my account when they move! I love HSN and most of the host but I do love the models. I love DG2 but will give them up too. A very disappointed customer
J
February 5, 2025at10:13 pm
WOW!! Just WOW!! Do you REALLY THINK that GUY can help his voice? Just how would YOU feel if he made the SAME statement about YOU??? Really? What is wrong with people? Do parents not teach children manners and respect anymore? Seems like for the last 40+ years this world is actually backwords, literally! Its so heartbreaking!
GROW UP!!!
Kathy Hamilton
February 4, 2025at9:13 pm
I am sad of this news, I shop at both HSN & QVC and have (especially HSN) for a very long time. I liked the convenience and my work and lifestyle did not permit time to go to a mall and shop around. I really enjoyed the fashion ideas and expertise and far more than not, the quality was good. I realize times are changing, I’m not a fan of many of the changes and closing up HSN is just one of them. I could not help but notice in the last say hear or so the hosts changing up and let’s face it, if you are a shopper (at least most) you establish a liking to a host and you trust him or her. Not fond of a good deal of the new ones, it’s turned into news channels where if I’m honest “sell ability” is questionable. We need people we can relate to. The vendors are awesome, i certainly hope they are retained, there are excellent brands. I really don’t see why though anyone would be excited about moving to the north where it snows like ALL the time. Best to everyone, guess I’ll saw lots of money with shopping options declined. Also as a parting note, the 20 and 30 somethings don’t watch tv, they watch tik tok and the mature audience is what should be targeted to, convenience and quality and let’s face it, we enjoy the entertainment of the hosts that we enjoy. All the best
Tanya Cain
February 3, 2025at12:52 pm
Stunned to learn HSN is folding the tent! I have been watching for years and just bought a Samantha Brown cargo purse from them. HSN has been mine and my husband’s go to for white noise. If we are watching something on another channel and a commercial comes on, we put it on hsn because it is unoffensive and neutral. Know all the host and vendors. I don’t like qvc either. They should have closed down QVC and had hsn absorb it. I wonder how this is going to play out.
Teresa Holder
February 2, 2025at12:15 pm
I have been shopping with HSN and QVC for over 30 years. I was a stay at home mom who, lived in the hills of Northern CA. So, yes it was very convenient. I did love the connection with show hosts like the “Lisa’s” and others, like them, with class. The quality left, as the years went by. I, do think, the two companies swapt places in class and quality. Now HSN is better, but they still have hosts that need to go!
TRUE GIRL
February 2, 2025at8:57 am
I love HSN there products are less expensive than Qvc and great sales . I actually love Amy,Debbie,Marlo I miss her dearly and few others as well. I want watch it once my favorites are gone .I watch Wednesday night and Thursday might every week I used to look forward to Amy and Debbie but I understand but will truly miss the host because before I biy I love seeing them on the host and models I love Colleen .However they’re not going out of business just relocation I’ll just go online…I’ll miss alot of the host just a few my favorites….
Patricia Kolar
February 1, 2025at7:37 pm
I finally moved to Florida in September 2024 and looked forward to showing HSN outlet. I love the hosts on HSN, I stopped buying from QVC. Hosts at QVC weren’t as good. I love Marla Wynne, DG2, the goat milk products, Jay King, skechers, barefoot dreams, soft and cozy and more. I buy EVERYTHING FROM HSN. If qvc gets rid of any of these or the HSNhosts I may have to shop elsewhere. QVC ISNT AS GOOD AS HSN. I feel this is a terrible idea and move.
Alison R Klein
February 1, 2025at7:16 pm
I love it. Pennsylvania is famous for their warmth and compassion. I still believe in the connection or familiarity with certain hosts.
Practice your manners.
Best of everything to those setting up shop for local craftsmen and businesses in the Sunshine State !
debi blough
February 1, 2025at6:40 pm
I have been a customer of QVC since its inception. Later, found HSN and signed up to be member with them also.
I was blindsided Christmas of 2024 when I ordered a Wooden Charcuterie board to be sent to my in-laws in PA. Then I receive 2 additional to my address in Co. I called to cancel, saying why would I want 2 PA Charcuterie Board’s when I live in Co. I was then informed there was no return slip and that I would be responsible for shipping. These are very heavy, so here they sit. I feel by not informing customers of the no return slip this was fraudulent selling. I highly doubt you care but I will never purchase or use QVC or HSN again.
Nancy
February 1, 2025at1:59 pm
I have been shopping with HSN and QVC since their inception. QVC not so much anymore for many of the reasons stated here by other viewers. Everything the show hosts feel compelled to talk about, most of it personal, should be shared on Facebook. I have started watching HSN more frequently, and am sorry they are going off the air. Their show hosts are much more polished and professional when selling products. I will especially miss Colleen Lopez and, of course, Curtis Stone! I hope Colleen will allow us to continue to follow her on Facebook.
marianne white
February 1, 2025at12:04 pm
Hopefully some of the hsn hosts will replace some of the older less experienced qvc hosts
Paulette R White
February 1, 2025at11:18 am
Ok, I’ve read all the comments and think we are confused on this move. I take it that HSN is Not going out of business but just moving it’s head quarters to PA. QVC is selling the huge campus in FLA so to recoup their money.Also all the hosts extra who can and do move to PA will be kept. The ones who stay in FLA will either work remote or leave. So, as I understand HSN will Not go out of business, just relocate. Another note, all of the items that have warranties thru HSN or auto ship orders, how will that work? It does sound very confusing to the viewer and it’s going to have to be addressed to the public soon! QVC hosts that were let go a couple of years ago and recently supposedly because the co had to save money.So why hire all these untrained unknown hosts that are so Annoying and unknowledgeable
Why insult our intelligence? I only watch hosts that have been there for many years and don’t act like a child.
Sherry Rivera
February 1, 2025at9:11 am
So what happens with HSN products?…as in Rhonda Sheer..and others…
Sami
February 1, 2025at3:12 am
I have shopped with both QVC & HSN, mainly because we bought property in a very remote area and live there. No place to shop, however. Never had a problem(knock on wood) in all these many years and received everything in great condition. Only sent things back, total of 4 times due to wrong size or merchandise had
A problem like a dress with the front partly missing. A recent issue that cropped up is courier shipping, before it was postal shipment, didn’t have a problem until now. Also, within minutes after ordering an HSN item, tried to cancel after seeing something similar but lesser price, wouldn’t allow me. Tried customer service but told there was no canceling the order. No one tried to help or set up an exchange. Kind of shocked, when that type of assistance was available before.
last complaint, some of the hosts do go on/on about their kids, the schools, graduations, jobs, their vacations, etc, almost every time they are on set.
I really don’t need to hear personal stories while I shop. Exploring Amazon, ebay and other online shopping.
Marion Rich
February 1, 2025at2:09 am
I hope this move doesn’t affect the hsn outlet stores in Florida. I have been shopping there for years and have got some great deals
Rosemary Orourke
January 31, 2025at11:33 pm
I love ham I go to the outlet store every few weeks I hope they keep it open but I have a feeling they won’t happen
Sandy Freyman
January 31, 2025at10:45 pm
I just never liked alot of h.s.n. products. They sell alot of makeup, I wear none, and foods, I don’t buy that through internet, and expensive purses and clothing. I’d rather buy sales or reasonable.
Anya
January 31, 2025at7:56 pm
I agree completely about the hosts. I do find QVC painful. I have given up on a purchase so many times because the hosts are so busy talking about themselves and not about the product. Plus after listening to them for a period of time, it becomes insulting for them to continue to tell you that they use the product. Realistically, they would have to be using 10 hair products and an excess of that in skincare. QVC had the classiest hosts and little by little they replaced them. David is the only one still left and how could you not love him?
Tom OKeefe
January 31, 2025at6:27 pm
That’s going to be great real estate once they knock it down….maybe put the Rays there..LOL
Jan
January 31, 2025at5:33 pm
HSN offered much more free shipping than QVC. Who doesn’t love free. I use the clean beauty stuff only always.
Dally
January 31, 2025at1:51 pm
After spending tens of thousands over the years I totally cancelled out my HSN account. They charged me for a return where they sent the wrong item twice, I had to contact them for a credit for merc they had for 3 weeks & final straw was a $14 return charge for a 4 pound box. I buy my Procaps & Skinn cosmetics directly from their websites. Besides Jay King & Marla Wynne everything else was turning into cheap junk.I see why they are losing money.
Cindy
January 31, 2025at1:39 pm
For me, shopping from HSN & QVC was somewhat of a novelty at first. Now, before buying something I ask myself the following question ….. “If I saw this item in a store, would I buy it, or keep walking past it?” More often than not, the answer is “keep walking”.
Most people are drawn in by the sales pitch & the hype.
Pat DiRico
January 31, 2025at12:12 pm
I prefer the HSN hosts to the QVC hosts who act like children. Sell the product. We don’t want to hear about your kids. Bring back quality & value & stop lying to sell a product.
Kay Cunningham
January 31, 2025at8:54 am
Sad to see such a great organization with many talented people go. I have enjoyed watching them for years and I have a closet full of the various vendors they promote clothing and jewelry and one HP computer and printer! I purchase all my Christmas shopping from HSN. It can be loads of fun to watch; I especially will miss Bobbie & Colleen Lopez, who has her own brand.They are truly great at what they do and I wish them the best.
Iris
January 31, 2025at8:03 am
The whole qvc has gone down hill. No more quality products. Items are expensive and cheaply made. Used to find unique things for home and yard but no more. Hosts are full of themselves; all the good ones are gone except David Veneble,the best; relatable and fun. Unless the reinvent themselves, their days are numbered.
Lisa
January 31, 2025at5:58 am
I completely agree!!!
Rose Raty
January 31, 2025at5:07 am
I began shopping with HSN when it was still called “Home Shopping Club” ( HSC) so VERRRY early 198o’s.( I can still remember my very first purchase; it was a car stereo, bought using my CELL PHONE. from my car, in the parking lot of the vet where I had just taken my Mom and her cat. I remember feeling SO MODERN!!! I continued to shop with them for DECADES.In every home you could find at least one room in the house with a tv on and The Home Shopping Club blaring away, hawking thier goods: Technibond!
Joan Rivers fashions! Diamondique! Carlos Falchi handbags!Fast Forward to 2025.I recently tried to place an order for a 16 piece set of Tupperware Bowls with lids and my Credit Card was denied. Puzzled I tried a different card. It too was denied. I then attempted to pay using my PayPal Account. Denied Denied Denied. Impossible, as I had just made a purchase with it earlier that day. I reach out and call a customer service rep who sounds like a teenager and explains to me that she is not at liberty to explain why all of my payment attempts have been denied, so sorry
ma’am, click disconnected. I dont know whether to laugh or cry at this point but the general drift of the conversation seemed to be leaning heavily on the suspicion that I was attempting to commit fraud,had stolen someones credit card and/ or was just not worthy of purchasing Tupperware on thier site (have a nice day..) Did I mention I had been shopping with them for DECADES So. I am not entirely surprised to hear that sales are dropping and company profits are tanking and theyre going out of business after 47 years. If this is how they treat loyal customers who have been with them for almost 50 years. Maybe this is what they deserve. I cant say I feel badly for them. I know I’LL certainly never shop with them again even if they offered me an apology and a Gold card. The damage is done.Any feelings of sadness or melancholy come from the quiet acceptance that this is the end of an era.Something that was once so magical; ( shopping from home from the comfort of your armchair in your bathrobe) from HSN is coming to an end forever.(Thank God for Amazon and Ebay). So. Sayonnara HSN.Thanks for the memories. And sorry that my last memory of you guys you left me feeling very disrespected and unworthty.
Barbara
January 30, 2025at10:13 pm
Good lord, you are so rude. Talking about people that way. I’ve never had any trouble with products or people at HSN but QVC has rude people and lots of representatives that don’t speak good English. They are money hungry. Not much free shipping either.God gave Guy his voice, I bet yours is annoying.
Johnnie Reed
January 30, 2025at8:25 pm
I’ve been shopping Hsn over ten years. I’m sick of the lying hype the hosts, long term one and recent hires do. They’re cocky and rude. I buy products I want without their BS. Amy says she makes the big bucks.Callie jealous of J Lo,Margo fake proper talk,Sarah cant dance,Nicole fix your little girl hairdo since you say you’ve made it,Emily girl ghetto. Leave Debbie, Michelle, and Ty alone. Get rid of all of them. Guy needs a off camera job, I’m sick of his scratchy voice, I turn when he comes on. Leave Adam alone he’s a Brit.