Home Shopping Network said it plans to launch an online enterprise in
September that brings its retailing operations to the Internet.
HSN will launch www.hsn.com, a commerce platform linked to its
on-air programming. HSN.com will serve as both a national commerce site and
be personalized to customers’ individual needs, the company said.
Competitor
QVC has had its Web commerce operation going
for some time.
HSN.com users will be able to access the site using several URLs. Each
doorway will allow the user to receive specific content and product offerings
in accordance with their interests and lifestyle, the company said.
“This is a totally different approach to e-commerce and is one that puts the
customer first, and consequently plays to HSN’s strengths,” said Mark Bozek,
HSN president and chief executive officer. “HSN.com is a complement to our
on-air programming and will provide our television viewers with the ability
to make better decisions and purchase even more products.”
“HSN.com will
draw viewers to HSN and invariably, our television viewers will be drawn to
the rich online offerings of HSN.com.”
With distribution into 70 million households, the company’s online initiative
will be developed in concert with complementary on-air efforts to maximize
the synergies between these two mediums.
“Our goal for HSN.com is to do more than simply take orders,” said Nick
Ruotolo, vice president of HSN Online. “Unlike other online retail sites,
HSN.com is a balanced blend of commerce and content that provides a valuable
experience. We intend to do more than book sales — we plan to grow
relationships.”
