Complete Name: Complete Unit #5 Student Name: Frasier, Sharyn ********************************************************************************************************** 1. A. Introduction & Background In the box provided, write an overview of the organization including the types of services and/or goods produced and the industry in which it operates. Give a brief history of the organization, where it is located, when the organization was founded and major events in its history. Student Answer: HSN Incorporated, also known as HSNi (Nasdaq:HSNI) is a $3.5 billion interactive multichannel retailer with strong direct-to-consumer expertise among its two operating segments, HSN and Cornerstone (HSNi, 2017). It began in 1981, with HSNi broadcasting …show more content…
changes its name to USA Networks Inc. USA acquires the rest of Ticketmaster. Short Shopping, a division that produces direct-selling commercials for various broadcast and cable network partners is launched.1999 – HSN establishes many exciting partnerships including programs with FOX, Nickelodeon and Hearst Publications. HSN acquires inventor/designer Joy Mangano's Ingenious Designs, Incorporated, a leading producer of consumer products sold via direct response television and infomercials. The network's companion Web site, hsn.com, successfully launches and becomes profitable in just three months. HSN extends its reach Internationally into Germany (which was later sold).2000 – The network adds one million new customers during first 6 months of the year and counts five million active customers. In April, HSN becomes the official electronic retailer of the NFL products. In September, Home Shopping Network officially changes its name to HSN with its first-ever branding campaign titled `Only on HSN.`2001 – The network strikes a deal with top designer Randolph Duke to create an exclusive line of fashion apparel for HSN.HSN acquires the …show more content…
The strength and weakness analysis provides a strategic view of the HSN’s operations. StrengthsHSNi offers innovative, retail experiences through television broadcasting and online orderingHSN is the industry leader in transactional innovationsOffers a differentiated digital experience by leveraging community, content and commerceOwns Cornerstone which comprises leading home & apparel lifestyle brands (it distributes approximately 300+ million catalogs annually - Cornerstone also operates Frontgate.com, BallardDesigns.com, GarnetHill.com, SmithandNoble.com, TheTerritoryAhead.com, TravelSmith.com, and Improvementscatalog.com, among other branded Web sites. These Web sites serve as additional, alternative storefronts for products featured in related print catalogs.)Has strong sales and distribution networkThe company has good reputation among customersWeaknessesHigh production costs and tough online competition which means margins are restrictedProfitability is low because of high competition in retail spaceOpportunitiesHSN has an incredibly important platform in the beauty industry, with a curated assortment of exclusive products, the company can enter new markets HSN’s targeted audience seek to buy a blend of comfort and fashion, and has an increasing opportunity to expand its