Introduction:
It is hard to imagine a world without shopping channels, and Home Shopping Network (HSN) is the pioneer shopping channel that made our home shopping experiences innovation-driven and customer-centric. HSN is a one-stop-shop for all shopping aficionados who like to discover new products and watch live broadcasts from the comfort of their homes. It is the perfect niche for remote shopping expeditions, event shopping, and accessing limited-time deals. Did you know, HSN has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary? How did they achieve such a tremendous milestone? What is HSN’s actual contribution to the shopping industry? Let us explore the answers to these questions in this blog.
HSN’s History and Development:
HSN was established in 1981 by Roy Speer and Bob Circosta, who decided to air DIY shows and promote remote shopping during the day. Initially, they faced hurdles from advertisers to create visible returns on investment, local cable systems to grant airtime, and customers who were doubtful about making purchases remotely. Nonetheless, they gradually succeeded by harnessing technologies, creating high-quality production sets, and adding credibility to their hosts. Although the original format is still intact, HSN has now expanded its programming to beauty, health, electronics, jewelry, fashion, and other products.
HSN’s Customer-Centric Innovation:
HSN has always been passionate about creating a unique customer experience. HSN created its house brand to provide quality, value, and innovation-product sourcing to the customers. It harnessed social media marketing and email newsletters to personalize their customers’ experience, which earned them an “Innovator of the Year” recognition from the National Retail Federation in 2020. HSN has also developed an intelligent-chat program to ensure that there is always an actual representative able to answer the customers’ questions in real-time.
HSN and Community Outreach:
HSN has also made an extensive impact on community outreach efforts. HSN started with Operation Smile in 2008. It has also promoted breast cancer awareness, domestic violence awareness, and animal wellness through their programming and charitable activities. During the coronavirus pandemic, HSN donated masks to hospitals and contributed to Feeding America’s COVID-19 relief program to offer assistance to individuals and families struggling with hunger in this challenging time.
HSN’s Industry Impact:
HSN is a significant influencer in the shopping industry. It has presented many renowned brands, kick-started the careers of many hosts and celebrities, and worked as a catalyst to generate a hugely loyal audience by bringing them closer to their homes and lives. However, HSN does not only excel at its niche, but it has also taught and collaborated with other retail platforms to develop effective strategies.
HSN’s Future Plans:
HSN is not going to stop its innovation soon. It has always been dynamic in introducing new products and exploring technology. HSN has planned its virtual shopping wall, an AR-enhanced online store that allows customers to shop in a virtual store using a smartphone or a tablet. It also plans for a to-be-launched app that would enhance online shopping convenience.
Conclusion:
HSN’s 40 years of innovation-driven hard work points us to a remarkable era of remote shopping and entrepreneurship. HSN has transformed the idea of shopping, from local malls to individual screens. Their mission to provide unique shopping experiences, their efforts to give back to the community, and their influence on the retail industry have made them a household name. Reviewing their past accomplishments and plans for the future makes us excited to see the innovations HSN will continue to bring in the future. We may be on the cusp of another revolution in the shopping experience, all thanks to HSN.
English