QVC

QVC is a West Chester, Pennsylvania based multinational corporation, specialising in televised home shopping. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel, QVC broadcasts in four major countries to 141 million consumers. The name is an initialism—standing for "Quality, Value, Convenience"—ostensibly, the three pillars of Segel's vision for the company.

Corporate History

QVC was founded on June 13, 1986. The first live broadcast took place at 7:30 ET on November 24 of that year. Hosts Kathy Levine and Bob Bowersox featured a shower radio for $11.49. Initially running live for 16 hours a day, the channel extended its broadcast hours to 24 at the beginning of 1987. The corporation set a new record for first full-year fiscal sales for a new public company of $112 million.

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June 13 - 1986 - November 24 - 1987

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In 1993, QVC, Inc. formed a deal with British Sky Broadcasting to create a UK version of the channel. QVC—The Shopping Channel first broadcast in the UK on October 1.

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1993 - British Sky Broadcasting - October 1

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On February 2, 1995, Comcast purchased a majority shareholding in QVC, Inc., taking control of the corporation. QVC kicked off the "Quest for America's Best—50 in 50 tour" a 50-week nationwide product search.

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February 2 - 1995 - Comcast

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QVC's shopping network went online on September 9, 1996, when the company's interactive division, iQVC, launched QVC.com, allowing customers to purchase their items online via the Microsoft Network. QVC Germany launched in December of that year.

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September 9 - 1996 - Microsoft Network

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QVC was named "Official National Retailer for the 53rd Presidential Inaugural" in 1997, and US operations at Studio Park commenced on September 24.

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1997 - September 24

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On August 8, 2001, QVC @ the Mall, a flagship store at the Mall of America in Minnesota, opened. QVC shipped its 500 millionth package on October 29, 2001.

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August 8 - 2001 - October 29

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July 3, 2003 saw Comcast sell its majority share to Liberty Media, setting the value of the company at $14 billion.

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July 3 - 2003 - Liberty Media

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In March 2004, the integrity of the company was impugned when the Federal Trade Commission charged QVC with making "deceptive claims" about weight loss products and the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the company.http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/03/qvc.htm At the same time, QVC Inc. bought out BSkyB, becoming sole shareholders in QVC UK.

Related Topics:
Federal Trade Commission - United States Department of Justice

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Also that year, over 105 million units were shipped, more than 160 million phone calls were handled, 2 million new customers were gained, and QVC had its biggest sales day ever, December 4, both online and on air.

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