For bargain hunters and those who love discovering unique finds, Zulily and QVC are two well-known names in the retail landscape. However, the relationship between these two shopping giants goes deeper than meets the eye. The question, “who owns Zulily now QVC?” has been frequently asked, especially after Zulily’s operations ceased in 2023. This post aims to explore the history, business model, and implications of the acquisition of Zulily by Beyond, Inc., shedding light on its impact on consumers and the retail landscape. Let’s dive into how Zulily and QVC are connected and what this means for shoppers.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Zulily: The Flash Sale Treasure Hunt
- QVC: The Pioneer of Television Shopping
- The Acquisition: Who Owns Zulily Now QVC?
- Benefits for Shoppers
- Navigating the Two Platforms
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Zulily, known for its flash sale model and ever-changing selection of goods, offered a unique shopping experience centered around limited-time deals. QVC, on the other hand, has long been a pioneer in television shopping, delivering live demonstrations and trusted brand-name products. Despite their distinct approaches, these two retail giants share an underlying connection through Qurate Retail Group. This post will clarify that relationship, the impact of the recent acquisition by Beyond, Inc., and how both companies continue to shape the retail landscape.
Zulily: The Flash Sale Treasure Hunt
Zulily’s business model revolved around the excitement of limited-time sales. The website and app featured daily curated sales events showcasing everything from popular brands to niche items and emerging designers. This “flash sale” approach created urgency and the thrill of discovering new products at deep discounts. Zulily emphasized discovery, making it a go-to destination for shoppers looking for unique merchandise and significant savings. The company never held inventory; instead, it relied on vendor-owned merchandise stored at fulfillment centers or drop-shipped directly to customers. The sales typically lasted 72 hours, keeping shoppers engaged and creating a sense of scarcity and urgency around Zulily’s deals.
QVC: The Pioneer of Television Shopping
QVC, or Quality, Value, Convenience, is a pioneer in television shopping. With live product demonstrations, engaging hosts, and a focus on trusted brands, QVC has built a reputation for convenience and reliability. The platform allows shoppers to see detailed product information and make informed purchasing decisions, fostering a sense of community through interactive programming. QVC’s approach appeals to consumers who value quality customer service, easy returns, and a curated shopping experience. The platform has been a trusted source for over-the-air shopping since 1986, making it a familiar name for millions of shoppers.
The Acquisition: Who Owns Zulily Now QVC?
In 2015, Qurate Retail Group, the parent company of QVC, acquired Zulily for $2.4 billion. This acquisition brought Zulily’s unique flash sale model into QVC’s portfolio, creating synergy between the two brands. Zulily operated without holding inventory, instead relying on vendor-owned merchandise. However, in 2023, Zulily’s website closed, and Beyond, Inc. acquired all of its intellectual property for $4.5 million in cash. This acquisition by Beyond, Inc., a company behind well-known retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock, marked the end of Zulily’s independent operations. The purchase was seen as a strategic move to integrate Zulily’s assets ahead of Beyond’s Overstock relaunch, positioning Zulily for its own refresh and expanding Beyond’s reach in the e-commerce space.
Benefits for Shoppers
The acquisition of Zulily’s intellectual property by Beyond, Inc. has several advantages for shoppers. By leveraging Zulily’s unique model of limited-time sales and curated merchandise, Beyond, Inc. can continue to offer discounted deals and access to niche products. The partnership also allows for the potential introduction of cross-promotional opportunities between Zulily and other Beyond-owned brands, creating more value for customers. This acquisition ensures that Zulily’s legacy of discovery-based shopping and exclusive deals is preserved, providing shoppers with continued access to quality products at competitive prices.
Navigating the Two Platforms
Zulily and QVC offer distinct shopping experiences. Zulily’s flash sale model requires frequent browsing, where product offerings change daily and shoppers must act quickly to secure deals. Shipping times can also vary depending on Zulily’s sourcing process. In contrast, QVC’s scheduled programming allows shoppers to view live product demonstrations, ask questions, and get detailed product information. QVC’s easy return policy and customer service appeal to those who value a more traditional shopping experience. For Zulily, consider signing up for brand notifications and creating wishlists to make sure you don’t miss out on upcoming sales. For QVC, check the programming schedule to stay informed about the latest deals and product launches.
FAQ
How does Zulily source its products?
Zulily partners with vendors to curate its product selection, shipping goods directly from fulfillment centers or using drop shipping to ensure quick delivery.
What is Zulily’s business model?
Zulily did not hold inventory. Instead, it operated by shipping vendor-owned merchandise at its fulfillment centers or drop shipping directly to customers.
How long do Zulily’s sales events last?
Sales events generally last 72 hours, creating urgency and encouraging shoppers to act quickly.
What is Zulily’s shipping policy?
Shipping policies vary depending on the product and vendor. More details can be found on Zulily’s website.
How does the Zulily return process work?
Zulily’s return policy is detailed on its website, and the company offers easy returns for most products.
Can I use my QVC credit card on Zulily?
While Zulily and QVC share the same parent company, it’s important to check payment options directly on each platform for the most up-to-date information.
Does Zulily offer customer service?
Yes, Zulily provides customer service, and contact information is available on their website.
Are there any overlaps in the brands offered by Zulily and QVC?
While some overlap is possible, each platform generally features a distinct set of brands. Zulily focuses on niche, emerging designers, while QVC offers established brand names.
How does the partnership affect Zulily’s brand identity?
The acquisition by Beyond, Inc. allows Zulily to retain its unique focus on discovery-based shopping, while integrating its assets into a broader e-commerce ecosystem to enhance product selection and value for shoppers.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Zulily’s brand assets by Beyond, Inc. marked a significant shift in the company’s operations. Despite closing its website in 2023, Zulily’s legacy of flash sales and unique merchandise continues through this acquisition. This strategic move ensures that Zulily’s approach to shopping—centered on limited-time deals and discovery—is preserved while providing shoppers with continued access to quality products and potential cross-promotional opportunities. By understanding the distinct roles of Zulily and QVC, shoppers can navigate both platforms and make informed decisions that align with their shopping preferences. Explore both Zulily and QVC today to experience the benefits firsthand!