After more than 50 years of knocking on doors around Australia and New Zealand, Avon is exiting the market.
Announcing the decision to shut down the direct selling business in both countries “by the end of this year”, Avon ANZ president and managing director Sharon Plant said it was “a very sad day” for the company’s 200 employees and 21,400 representatives.
The closure is part of the “company’s strategy to return Avon to long-term sustainable profitable growth” by focussing “on markets with the greatest potential for future growth to support its vision of becoming the world’s leading social beauty company”.
“In line with this, after a thorough deliberation on our performance, the direct selling conditions in the market, and potential for growth, we have considered all options for the business and it is with much sadness that we are announcing our decision to exit the Australia and New Zealand markets.”
Plant said Avon’s ANZ management team would “support our people and the wider Avon community who are impacted by this decision”.
“I would like to thank all the employees, representatives and customers who have supported Avon in Australia and New Zealand over the years.”
Established in 1886 by door-to-door salesman David McConnell, Avon is now sold through more than 6 million independent sales representatives in over 100 countries – and earns around US$10 billion in annual revenue.
The company began its direct-selling business in Australia in 1963 and then in New Zealand in 1978.