As Hurricane Irma prepared to rip through the Florida Keys in September, the Home Shopping Network dispatched 100 employees from St. Petersburg to Nashville so broadcasting could continue uninterrupted.
Under the blistering lights of a Music City studio, E! presenter Giuliana Rancic tugged at a charmeuse G by Giuliana blouse to demonstrate its stretch. A representative from Lancome cooed about the “suction-cup effect” of its Régenerie Lift suite of anti-aging elixirs. In front of a pair of French doors that led to nowhere, a presenter brushed her hands over the nap of a Vince Camuto suede bootie. “Isn’t it gorgeous?” she purred.
Clocks continued to count down. Operators stood by and received calls. Online shopping carts filled up. The show went on, and HSN emerged from the storm unscathed and intact. It was logistical miracle.
Now the company is battening down the hatches for Hurricane Amazon.