Long before Amazon and online retailers, virtual shopping was done through the television screen and a landline phone. QVC and Home Shopping Network rose to popularity in the 1980s. They are still holding on, despite the ease of ordering online. The network has different hosts selling various products 24/7. One beloved host is retiring after over four decades. Keep reading to find out how to watch their last show.
Home Shopping Network Moves Production, Resulting In Mass Exits
The Home Shopping Network broadcast out of a studio in Florida for almost 50 years. But the network’s parent company, Qurate Retail Group, announced last year a strategic move from the Sunshine State to Pennsylvania. The move was part of joining the operations of QVC and HSN into one production.
While QVC and HSN will continue to air separately, the company warned of layoffs or some staff going remote. QVC and HSN were competing networks, but merged in 2017. Several hosts chose to leave rather than move to Pennsylvania. But one beloved Home Shopping Network host is retiring.
Beloved Host Retires After 43 Years
QVC and HSN both use celebrities to help sell products. However, they also rely on non-celebrity hosts who are personable and knowledgeable. Bobbi Ray Carter joined the Home Shopping Network in 1983.
Her main focus is on beauty, fashion, and jewelry products, but she can sell anything. After 43 years with the network, she’s retiring this month. She opened up about the long goodbye to Us Weekly. Her retirement comes in several parts.
She hosted a show on Friday, March 20. “Then on Saturday, we’re going to sort of promote the countdown,” she told the outlet. Countdown to what? Her very last show is on Sunday, March 22, at 5 PM Eastern.
The longtime host opened up about the emotional goodbye. “I’m working with people that I love. That was the most important thing, and I really wanted everyone to be there if they could,” she said about her farewell shows.
She added, “I’m pretty sure almost all my guests are going to be there. That was important to me, because they’re not just guests. These people are now my friends because we’ve been together for many years. I look forward to that.”
HSN shared a preview of Bobbi Ray Carter’s final show on social media. Fans left tearful comments about her retirement.
- “Omg .. crying for you!!! That was beyond sweet from everyone … cheers to you in your retirement”
- “She deserves all the best”
- “Congratulations on the next segment of your beautiful life!!”
- “Congratulations Bobbi on your retirement. You’re the best. I not going to say goodbye, I’ll see you soon”
- “So great to see all the genuine outpouring of love and admiration! So happy for your next adventure!!”
- “Love u Bobby!!!!! HSN will never be the same. I will miss u!!!!”
Bobbi Ray Carter’s time at HSN comes to an end on Sunday. Who will be the next to retire?
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
