2 Oct 2012

Shopping channel launches on digital TV

6:14 am on 2 October 2012

Even though consumers remain prudent about opening wallets and spending a new way to shop has been launched.

The Shopping Channel went on Sky and Freeview on Monday night after two years of planning.

Chief executive Alistair Duff says the platform gives smaller businesses exposure and helps keep revenue in New Zealand.

"It's a great test market for product that doesn't have nationwide coverage," he says.

"There's some fantastic New Zealand businesses where their product isn't seen nationally, and this becomes an economic way of promoting their products".

Categories covered included homewares, fashion and jewellery, and between 20 and 30 products were promoted each night.

They included items from Christchurch businesses who physical retail outlets had been destroyed by quake damage and were now reliant on sales such as those made on the internet.

Mr Duff says the channel's operations have directly employed about 70 people.

Y & R advertising agency general manager and media director Grant Maxwell says retailers are always seeking new ways to acquire customers.

Mr Maxwell says businesses will watch with interest to see how consumers react to the channel.