Retailers Voice Concern Over TV Trend
Listed under: Top Story
Published: Friday, August 15, 2008
The recent launch of a new craft channel on BT Vision has been met with apprehension from a number of independent retailers who have blamed shopping programmes, eBay and the internet for putting them out of business.
“After fourteen years of hard grafting we are looking at finishing with what was a lovely, active craft shop,” explains Carla Larter of Perga Craft Gallery. “During the last two years, thanks to craft shopping programmes on television, wholesalers selling via eBay and the internet, we're regretfully out of business.” Jean Smith of The Village Craft Shop agrees. “My business is suffering greatly because of online crafting sites and TV. Instead of seeing local shops like mine go out of business, they should would work with us and encourage viewers to buy products from us as well.”
However Christina Kirby, owner of Card Inspirations, disagrees. She says “In a way, TV shopping channels have been good for business because they have attracted more people to the industry. We often get people coming into the store asking for things they've seen on TV and purchasing them from us in the process.” Karen Bayers of Crafty Ideas adds “Personally I'm all for them, they get crafts out there and have definitely been beneficial to the industry as a whole.”
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However Christina Kirby, owner of Card Inspirations, disagrees. She says “In a way, TV shopping channels have been good for business because they have attracted more people to the industry. We often get people coming into the store asking for things they've seen on TV and purchasing them from us in the process.” Karen Bayers of Crafty Ideas adds “Personally I'm all for them, they get crafts out there and have definitely been beneficial to the industry as a whole.”
What do you think? Email me your thoughts on this issue at
There are currently 1 comments - Have Your Say Today
There has undoubtedly been a knock-on effect but I agree with both sides, it’s how you react to the reality that counts.
We used to get people coming into the shop for products they’d ‘seen on TV’, and when QVC ran a craft day our sales would go up as people searched online for places where they could buy the products featured, without the steep postage and packaging charges.
Rather than blame though, you need to go with the flow - if the internet is affecting your business, do all you can to compete. eBay offers a few ways of being able to compete and sell your products - even from your own site - as well as being able to take advantage of the huge eBay audience.
There are many ways to improve your position online, and I for one would love to work with retailers (having been one!) to promote their new products, sales and classes etc.
You CAN’T beat them...so join them! Give them a good run for their money by using your ‘smallness’ and expertise to your advantage - think out of the box and keep thinking of your customer, price is not always everything - if service is rubbish it doesn’t matter if the products are dirt cheap.