Shopping channel

Shopping channels are television specialty channels targeted towards home shoppers consumers by broadcasting product demonstrations or explanations. Many of the major shopping channels broadcast live 24/7, such as QVC and HSN. The format of the show is usually a host with a guest/product expert. The home shopping industry has grown quickly in a short period of time thanks to the rapid expansion of the Internet.

Direct response television (infomercials) is another sector of the home shopping business and does not operate solely on shopping channels. Many major shopping channels disassociate themselves from direct response television, as there is a negative stigma associated with infomercials. Earlier infomercials lacked a stable industry and sufficient product quality control.

Sales Per Minute (SPM) is a key figure used to decide how successful a product is when receiving airtime on TV.

Home shopping pioneers