U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
Q4 sales climb for ShopHQ on lower prices
Fourth quarter sales were up 17 percent for ShopHQ as the multimedia retailer enticed customers to buy by offering more merchandise at lower price points.
Minneapolis--Fourth quarter sales were up 17 percent for ShopHQ as the multimedia retailer enticed customers to buy by offering more merchandise at lower price points.
According to results released Wednesday by parent company ValueVision Media Inc., sales increased from $165 million to $193 million year-over-year in the fourth quarter for Shop HQ (formerly ShopNBC.)
They were driven by strong performance in the home and consumer electronics, fashion and accessories, and beauty, health and fitness categories.
Gross profit rose during the period ended Feb. 1, increasing 14 percent, but was down as a percentage of sales, decreasing from 33 percent in the prior-year period to 32 percent.
The size of the total purchasing customer base during the fourth quarter was up 30 percent year-over-year, and net shipped units increased by 44 percent to a record high 2.4 million, reflecting a broader merchandise mix and a 20 percent decline in the average price point from $92 to $74.
“Our Q4 ’13 performance marked our seventh consecutive quarter of sales growth and positive adjusted EBITDA. Our continued diversification of product mix resulted in strong sales growth across a much broader customer base,” said ValueVision CEO Keith Stewart.
“We expanded our product assortment, improved our channel positions and continued to focus on the customer experience. These efforts drove record new customer counts in the quarter. With our rebranding to ShopHQ complete and more customers shopping with us than ever before, we believe we are well positioned for fiscal 2014.”
RELATED CONTENT: ShopHQ shifting away from jewelry
For the full year, net sales grew 12 percent to $640 million.
Net loss in 2013 dropped sharply, totaling $400,000 as compared with an adjusted net loss of $16 million in 2012. Total customers purchasing for the 12-month period were up 20 percent to a record 1.4 million.
The Latest

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.


“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.