Twitter explodes with tributes to SkyMall
It may be too late to buy that bug vacuum. SkyMall, the beloved shopping catalogue that has been mocked and adored by flyers for years, announced that it has filed for bankruptcy.
The in-flight catalogue and its parent company, Xhibit Corp., have been financially struggling due to the presence of other e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com and eBay.com. CNBC.com reported that in 2013 SkyMall business generated about $33.7 million in revenue, which fell to $15.8 million for the nine months that ended in September 2014. It would appear that either shoppers are not interested in purchasing a Macedonian battle helmet or they can find it elsewhere.
SkyMall was founded in 1990 and boasts a mission of “solving problems with unique merchandise.” According to SkyMall's website, the publication was viewed by approximately 650 million air travelers annually. They curate over 30,000 products, making sure shoppers can find just about anything they may – or may not – need.
Chief executive Scott Wiley said in a statement on Friday that the brand is hopeful they can make it through bankruptcy. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company fully suspended its retail catalogue operation on Jan. 16.
“We are extremely disappointed in this result and are hopeful that SkyMall and the iconic ‘SkyMall’ brand find a home to continue to operate,” Mr. Wiley said in a statement.
Within hours, supporters and customers of the catalogue went to Twitter to share their favorite items and wish the company well. Where else will customers be able to purchase Fernando the (fake) Chihuahua? It may be too soon to tell.
