Is Mackenzie-Childs Leaving ShopHQ? What is Happening to ShopHQ?

Is Mackenzie-Childs Leaving ShopHQ?

As of now, there is no confirmation regarding Mackenzie-Childs leaving ShopHQ. The shopping channel has been facing challenges since 2020, with declining sales, staff layoffs, and economic difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. ShopHQ has struggled to recover, downsizing staff and leasing properties.

Notable hosts like Laura Duffek and Heather Hall have left the platform, contributing to the speculation about its future. While Mackenzie-Childs’ status is unclear, the broader trend suggests that companies may be leaving ShopHQ due to its ongoing financial struggles and uncertain business outlook.

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Mackenzie-Childs

MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd. is a company that makes ceramics and sells hand-painted imported furniture and home décor. It was founded in 1983 by Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs, with its headquarters in Aurora, New York. The company faced financial difficulties and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2000. American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland bought MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd. in 2001, and after restructuring in 2006, the company became profitable again.

In 2008, Rowland sold the company to Lee Feldman and Howard Cohen. A legal dispute arose in 2006 when MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd. sued its founders, citing trademark violation related to the use of their last name, which was allegedly sold off during bankruptcy proceedings.

Private equity firm Castanea Partners invested in Aurora Brands, the owner of MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd., in 2014. In 2018, MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd. acquired Patience Brewster Inc., with Patience Brewster joining the creative team.

The company is famous for its annual Barn Sale, drawing over 26,000 shoppers in 2017 to its 65-acre property in Aurora. The sale, held over four days, offers discounts ranging from 40 percent to 80 percent, attracting tourists from around the world.

ShopHQ

ShopHQ, formerly known as ValueVision, ShopNBC, Evine Live, and Evine, is an American home shopping television network and multi-channel video retailer. It was launched on March 12, 1991, and is currently owned by iMedia Brands Inc. In August 2024, its assets were acquired by IV Media, a subsidiary of Innovation Ventures, LLC.

Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, ShopHQ competes with other home shopping channels like Qurate’s HSN, QVC, and Jewelry Television. The channel rebranded as ShopHQ in 2019, having undergone name changes between 2013 and 2015. iMedia Brands, ShopHQ’s parent company, also operates two other brands: ShopHQ Health, focusing on health and wellness products, and the Bulldog Shopping Network, offering products for men.

Why is Everyone Leaving ShopHQ?

ShopHQ is facing significant challenges that have led to a mass exodus of staff and hosts. The company’s sales have been declining since 2020, exacerbated by the economic impact of COVID-19, forcing them to downsize staff and lease properties. In 2020, ShopHQ laid off 152 workers, including host Laura Duffek, attributing it to unforeseeable business circumstances caused by the global spread of the pandemic.

Veteran jewelry vendor Michael Valitutti also left briefly, citing insufficient airtime on HSN and finding better opportunities at ShopHQ. Host Natasha Chughtai departed in October 2022, and longtime host Heather Hall left abruptly after 14 years to spend more time with family. The skincare line Isomers’ status with ShopHQ is uncertain.

The company has struggled financially, prompting downsizing efforts, and it remains unclear if ShopHQ is on the brink of going out of business. CEO Tim Peterman is working towards a turnaround, but the challenges persist since ShopHQ hasn’t been profitable since 2017.