Avon

Brand

Avon Products, Inc. is an American cosmetics, perfume and toy seller with markets in over 140 countries across the world. The company's chairman and CEO is Andrea Jung, who was promoted to the position in 1999. Avon uses both door-to-door sales people and catalogs to advertise its products. In some markets, such as China, Avon products are sold primarily in retail stores. Avon's product lines include lipsticks, foundations, bath and skin lotions, anti-aging cream, perfumes, as well as jewelry and clothing. The company was founded in 1886 by David H. McConnell who sold books door-to-door and gave out perfume to entice women to buy his books. Eventually, his perfume became so popular that the women mainly desired the perfumes and not the books. McConnell then went on to create the California Perfume Company in New York. As the company grew in popularity, he hired his first representative Mrs. P.F.E. Albee. In 1916, the company was incorporated by David H. McConnell and Alexander D. Henderson. By 1928, sales had reached $2 million. In 1939, the company’s name was changed to Avon Products, Inc. and by 1954, sales had reached $55 million. Although the company has always been more directed toward female customers, Avon's line of male products continues to expand, and its children's products (such as shampoos and toys) have also proved successful. More recently, the company has launched two brand diversifications, "Mark." (targeted at younger, college-aged women) and "M" (an Avon catalogue for men). Both have helped the company reach out into markets it had not serviced prior. In 2007, Reese Witherspoon signed a multiyear agreement to serve as Avon's global ambassador. Since then she has been involved in product development, advertisements, and has served as the honorary chairman of the Avon Foundation.

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