iQVC to Launch Collaborative Online Retailing

iQVC, based in West Chester, PA signed agreements with barnesandnoble.com, N2K’s Music Boulevard, NetGrocer, and Cyberian Outpost Inc. to establish a “store within a store,” scheduled to begin operations in the fall.

Called The Square @ iQVC, the concept will be highlighted on iQVC’s home page
and will augment the general merchant’s product selection with over one
million additional items. Financial terms of the arrangement were not
disclosed.

iQVC shoppers will be able to seamlessly cross between iQVC Square’s merchant
stores, using one shopping cart, one cross-store search engine, and one
customer service call.

“The Square @ iQVC’s main goal is to add value to the online shopping
experience by offering quality product, incredible selection and unparalleled
service,” said Stuart Spiegel, vice president & general manager, iQVC. “We
believe good old-fashioned retailing is the killer application for e-
commerce.”

The merchants of The Square @ iQVC gain access to an expanded customer
base, on-air television promotion via QVC, additional product distribution via iQVC’s personal shopper telephone service and the opportunity for increased sales, the company said, and iQVC is able to strategically expand its merchandise base without increasing staff and incorporating new areas of
merchandising.