As The Shopping Channel celebrates another Birthday on the air, I find myself also reflecting upon some of my favourite moments, both on-air and off.

February is also my anniversary of 17 years with this crazy and wonderful channel. Since the passing of Ted Rogers, I have often looked at an 8X10 photo I have of one of my favourite moments of all time, for me personally. Our 15,000 square foot Toronto Outlet Store opened in 1999 and I was fortunate enough to not only be there when hundreds of viewers joined us for the grand opening, but I was also the emcee for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

So, there I was, cameras from other television networks all around us, hundreds of people in the store and 3 prominent shopping ambassadors standing beside me: Rael Merson was the President of The Shopping Channel at the time (left), Joan Rivers held the scissors to cut the ribbon (joking out loud that the scissors would also be for sale later in the store) and Canadian media legend, Ted Rogers (whom I was meeting for the first time) were ready to officially open the store.

I simply had to introduce them, watch the ribbon being cut and put a wrap on what had been a very successful and fun day! Over 600 people were waiting outside our doors by 9am for free giveaways. We began broadcasting from the store at 7am and Joan Rivers, Carol Smith (crafts) and Jerome Alexander (cosmetics) all appeared live with their shows at the store. Security was tight, alright. Extra tight around Joan, as there had been some, shall we say, strange phone calls received at The Shopping Channel pertaining to her visit with us. The Mariachi Band outside kept everyone entertained and several of the Hosts were there also.

Here’s to many more wonderful memories!

Love, 
Norm Murray