Floridians, it’s almost impossible to imagine a world without the Home Shopping Network (HSN) being based right here in the state. After all, HSN has been a part of Florida’s fabric for almost fifty years. The company has been a major part of St. Petersburg’s local economy and television history. So, when I heard that HSN plans to move its headquarters to West Chester, Pennsylvania, I couldn’t help but feel surprised and nostalgic.
HSN’s journey began back in 1977, when it first sold can openers on a Clearwater radio station. Just four years later, in 1981, HSN made the leap to television in the Tampa Bay area. By 1985, it went national, reaching households across America while keeping its headquarters in Florida. Over the years, HSN became a major employer in the area and even earned recognition from Forbes as one of the best employers in the country, especially for women.
However, by 2023, HSN faced some difficult challenges. Its parent company, Qurate Retail Group, saw a significant decline in revenue, with a 14% drop reported. As a result, the company had to make tough decisions, including laying off 400 employees. This news was a clear signal that big changes were on the horizon for the home shopping giant.
Fast forward to late January 2025, when HSN made a huge announcement—it would be closing its Florida headquarters at 2501 118th Avenue North in St. Petersburg. The 369,000-square-foot facility had been a key part of the company’s operations for decades, but now it’s set to be relocated to West Chester, Pennsylvania. Although the company confirmed the move, it’s still unclear what will happen to the St. Petersburg campus. It remains to be seen whether the building will be sold or repurposed.
Stacy Bowe, the president of the HSN brand, expressed her gratitude to the people of Florida and the St. Petersburg community for their years of support. “We have the deepest appreciation to the state of Florida and the St. Petersburg community for their support and dedication over HSN’s 47-year history. We look forward to continuing to delight our customers as we make this transition to our new home,” Bowe said in a statement.
The move is sure to have a significant impact on Florida, particularly in the local job market. While some employees may be able to transfer with the company, many will face the difficult decision of relocating or finding new jobs in a highly competitive market. It’s unclear how many jobs will remain in Florida, but the change will likely leave a gap in the local economy.
Additionally, the massive St. Petersburg campus sits on a prime piece of real estate, and the future of the property is still up in the air. While HSN has not confirmed what will happen to the campus, it’s likely that the property could be redeveloped or sold, which would spark interest from developers due to its size and desirable location.
HSN has been more than just a shopping network—it has had a lasting influence on television and shopping culture in America. Even if you’ve never made a purchase from the channel, you’ve likely seen its hosts demonstrating various products, from kitchen gadgets to jewelry.
HSN’s unique blend of entertainment and retail has made it a household name across the country, and its impact on the television shopping industry can’t be overstated.
For many in the Tampa Bay area, HSN’s move signals the end of an era. The company has been a part of the community for nearly five decades, and its departure will leave a noticeable gap. But businesses evolve, and so do the markets they operate in.
As for what will come next for the St. Petersburg campus, only time will tell. It’s possible that another major company or project could take over the space, continuing the area’s tradition of innovation and business growth.
As for the fans of HSN, there’s no need to worry. While the company may be leaving Florida, the shopping network itself is not going away. The deals, product demos, and live shopping segments will continue as usual—they’ll just have a new ZIP code to call home.
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