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Exclusive: Ex-QVC insiders see a comeback. Here's the playbook

The company's strategy must mix nostalgia and innovation.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="QVC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/financial-troubles-growing-for-philly-regions-qvc" data-vars-content-id="126b32b5-a542-4ebb-a2bb-2200f19aa060" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Ex-QVC insiders see a comeback. Here&#x27;s the playbook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/12/financial-troubles-growing-for-philly-regions-qvc" target="_self">QVC</a> perfected live shopping before social media made it cool again — and now the storied retail giant is trying to win back relevance from platforms that copied its playbook.Why it matters: Former QVC employees and marketing experts tell Axios the West Chester-based company&#x27;s original formula — live, personality-driven and built on urgency — looks much like today&#x27;s creator economy.

Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park

The reinstatement of the exhibits at one of America's foremost historic sites is a defining win for Philadelphia.

Politics & Policy

The National Park Service began restoring the slavery exhibits at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia nearly a month after they were taken down as part of President Trump&#x27;s effort to fight &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improper ideology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/smithsonian-trump-executive-order" data-vars-content-id="90de532e-eccf-46e6-b624-797d6b04e6d1" data-vars-headline="Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/smithsonian-trump-executive-order" target="_self">improper ideology</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The return of the panels at one of America&#x27;s foremost historic sites is a defining win for Philadelphia — and could strengthen a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="separate ongoing legal challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5718006/trump-national-parks-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="90de532e-eccf-46e6-b624-797d6b04e6d1" data-vars-headline="Trump administration restores slavery exhibits at Independence Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/18/nx-s1-5718006/trump-national-parks-lawsuit" target="_blank">separate ongoing legal challenge</a> to the Trump administration&#x27;s attempt to rewrite American history at other national parks.

UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding

See how much Philly universities have received from overseas sources over the past 40 years.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Universities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/10/college-enrollment-racial-changes-students-university-of-pennsylvania-temple-drexel" data-vars-content-id="2d426e4b-8d56-41d9-a080-49722942b8a1" data-vars-headline="UPenn leads Philly schools in foreign funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/10/college-enrollment-racial-changes-students-university-of-pennsylvania-temple-drexel" target="_self">Universities</a> in the Philadelphia region raked in billions of dollars from overseas contributors over the past four decades.Why it matters: The U.S. Education Department&#x27;s recent data breaks down the foreign contributions that are helping to financially support Philly&#x27;s biggest schools.

Scoop: Ex-detective and "Mare of Easttown" muse sues for sex discrimination

Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a "go-to" consultant on the show, shaping Kate Winslet's titular character.

The detective who inspired HBO&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7" target="_blank">&quot;Mare of Easttown&quot;</a> says she quit because of sex-based discrimination within her department, per a federal lawsuit filed this month.State of play: Former Chester County detective Christine Bleiler was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;go-to&quot; consultant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" data-vars-content-id="aa205491-d4ee-4c5e-9756-f1d9781e2aec" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ex-detective and &quot;Mare of Easttown&quot; muse sues for sex discrimination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/04/kate-winslet-mare-of-easttown-accent?srsltid=AfmBOooDuR35Uml1FaBfuoJW5645xDRgcaRELPt-m_Jua6p0ezoUJC7t" target="_blank">&quot;go-to&quot; consultant</a> on the show, shaping Kate Winslet&#x27;s titular character, Marianne &quot;Mare&quot; Sheehan, and helping her capture the realities of small-town policing.

Philadelphia region braces for Snowmaggedon 2.0

The second blockbuster storm of the winter could bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall.

Climate

The second blockbuster storm of the winter is poised to bring blizzard conditions and potentially record-breaking snowfall to the Philadelphia region. Why it matters: &quot;Here we go again&quot; is the sentiment of many Philadelphians as Mayor Cherelle Parker&#x27;s administration tries to avoid a repeat of last month&#x27;s storm response, which crippled city services and transportation for days.

The next winter storm to hit Philly this weekend

Philly is still digging out from last week's storm amid a prolonged stretch of freezing temps.

A Nor&#x27;easter is headed toward Philadelphia this weekend, but is unlikely to dump more snow on the city.Why it matters: Philly is still <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="digging out from last week&#x27;s storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/26/snowstorm-cleanup-septa-airport-highways" data-vars-content-id="9fbfb348-b50f-46eb-a691-a2245373efa1" data-vars-headline="The next winter storm to hit Philly this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/26/snowstorm-cleanup-septa-airport-highways" target="_self">digging out from last week&#x27;s storm</a> amid a prolonged stretch of freezing temps.

Philadelphia region digs out from the storm

The largest snowfall in at least five years will make Monday's commute a nightmare.

The Philadelphia region is still digging out from the weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" data-vars-content-id="14e1252f-4167-45dd-af3b-28c9bfe27217" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia region digs out from the storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" target="_self">winter storm</a>. Why it matters: The largest snowfall in at least five years will make Monday&#x27;s commute a nightmare.

Monster storm triggers Philly snow emergency

Schools are closed and trash pickup is suspended on Monday in Philadelphia because of the massive winter storm.

Philadelphia has declared a snow emergency ahead of this weekend&#x27;s potentially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="monster winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" data-vars-content-id="605b2f72-2fd6-4269-b507-236cb3961694" data-vars-headline="Monster storm triggers Philly snow emergency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/22/winter-storm-philadelphia-region" target="_self">monster winter storm</a>. Why it matters: At least a foot of snow could fall throughout the Philly region, creating a nightmare for commuters at the start of the workweek.

Massive winter storm barrels toward Philadelphia region

The storm could bring dangerous conditions and cripple travel throughout the region.

This could be a big one.Why it matters: The potential for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a massive winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="84476727-0484-4867-b714-5f2c9e6ccb7a" data-vars-headline="Massive winter storm barrels toward Philadelphia region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">a massive winter storm</a> this weekend could bring dangerous conditions, cripple travel throughout the region, and pinch profits for restaurants and gig workers.

Winter outlook: Philadelphia to get more snow than last year, forecasters predict

Skiers and snowboarders could finally get a decent season.

Weather prognosticators are bullish that this winter will bring more snow than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we&#x27;ve seen in years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/11/19/snow-forecast-philadelphia-winter-weather-outlook" data-vars-content-id="6becbb17-bc10-4e9d-80ae-683d6032dcd9" data-vars-headline="Winter outlook: Philadelphia to get more snow than last year, forecasters predict" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/11/19/snow-forecast-philadelphia-winter-weather-outlook" target="_self">we&#x27;ve seen in years</a>.Why it matters: Skiers and snowboarders could finally get a decent season.

Fall-like conditions come early to Philadelphia

Summer wrapped with the city's coolest August since 2014.

That <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fall feeling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/15/pumpkin-spice-lattes-philadelphia-la-colombe-caf" data-vars-content-id="8eb6f14b-8bb4-4489-991e-48f839746b9f" data-vars-headline="Fall-like conditions come early to Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/15/pumpkin-spice-lattes-philadelphia-la-colombe-caf" target="_self">fall feeling</a> arrived early this year in Philadelphia.Why it matters: We&#x27;re one cool evening closer to Halloween decorations and full-on sweater weather.

Extreme heat streaks on the rise in Philadelphia

Prolonged heat is particularly hazardous to human health.

Heat streaks in Philadelphia are getting more common each year on average compared to 1970, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: Prolonged heat — as Philly and much of the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has experienced this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="2e263135-f433-4038-9b1e-a0f9f8b7775d" data-vars-headline="Extreme heat streaks on the rise in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">has experienced this summer</a> — is particularly hazardous to human health.<ul><li>Plus: Multi-day heat streaks are also challenging for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="power grid operators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/us-power-grid-climate-change-extreme-weather-electricity" data-vars-content-id="2e263135-f433-4038-9b1e-a0f9f8b7775d" data-vars-headline="Extreme heat streaks on the rise in Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/20/us-power-grid-climate-change-extreme-weather-electricity" target="_self">power grid operators</a>, given all the energy-intensive A/C use.</li></ul>

Heat dome descends on Philadelphia

Count on high temps to stick around through at least Wednesday.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat dome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/09/heat-dome-study-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="e2e499f7-17b9-4f79-b573-2e1dc67a5740" data-vars-headline="Heat dome descends on Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/09/heat-dome-study-climate-change" target="_self">heat dome</a> is fueling high temps in the Philadelphia region that will stick around next week. The big picture: We have company. Dangerous heat levels are affecting nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="85 million Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="e2e499f7-17b9-4f79-b573-2e1dc67a5740" data-vars-headline="Heat dome descends on Philadelphia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">85 million Americans</a> east of the Rockies this week.

Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly

Average summer nighttime temperatures increased 4.1°F in Philly between 1970 and 2024.

Warm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/23/philadelphia-triple-digit-heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="5355efff-4027-44ed-8040-5bae98ff38bb" data-vars-headline="Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/23/philadelphia-triple-digit-heat-wave" target="_self">summer</a> nights in Philly are starting to feel a little ... well, warmer. Why it matters: Higher overnight temperatures can have health consequences for vulnerable groups, as well as increase demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air conditioning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/14/cooling-the-earth-without-cooking-it" data-vars-content-id="5355efff-4027-44ed-8040-5bae98ff38bb" data-vars-headline="Summer nights are getting warmer in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/05/14/cooling-the-earth-without-cooking-it" target="_self">air conditioning</a>.

Climate 🌿

Philadelphia region braces for Snowmaggedon 2.0

The next winter storm to hit Philly this weekend

Philadelphia region digs out from the storm

Monster storm triggers Philly snow emergency

Massive winter storm barrels toward Philadelphia region