The Mall-Shopping Network

QVC Inc. (West Chester, Pa.), the pioneer TV home-shopping company, has signed a 10-year lease with plans to open a QVC @ The Mall flagship store in Mall of America (Minneapolis). QVC initially tested a 500-square-foot temporary space with a limited-term lease. Based on the success of that test, a new2500-square-foot store is already under construction near the mall's Sam Goody Central rotunda.

The store will carry the same merchandise available through QVC's television program or through iQVC, the company's e-commerce site. The store will also produce live television shows directly from its new retail location via broadcasting studios integrated into the store design.

The agreement also makes QVC the “Official Interactive Commerce Partner” of the 4.2 million-square-foot mall. Shows produced from QVC @ The Mall will be broadcast over QVC. According to Maureen Bausch, Mall of America's vp of marketing and business development, “QVC, which can reach more than 79 million homes, brings the Mall of America experience to those who have not had the opportunity to visit with us.”