Avon Products, Inc, known simply as Avon, is an American international manufacturer and distributor of beauty, household, and personal care products sold through representatives in over 140 countries across the world. As of 2012, Avon had annual sales of $10.7 billion worldwide. It is the fifth-largest beauty company and second largest direct selling enterprise in the world, with 6.4 million representatives. Avon Products is a multi-level marketing company. Their "Ding Dong Avon Calling" advertising campaign, which ran from the mid-1950s to 1967, has been called "one of the most deeply ingrained brand identities of the past century".
In 1886, David H. McConnell started the business in a small office at 126 Chambers Street, in lower Manhattan, New York City. In 1892, McConnell changed the company name when his business partner, who was living in California, suggested that he call the business the California Perfume Company, because of the great abundance of flowers in California.
In 1894, Alexander D. Henderson, Vice-President and Treasurer, joined the company and helped to shape its policies and assist in its growth. On June 16, 1909, McConnell and Henderson signed an agreement of Corporation for the California Perfume Company in the state of New Jersey.On January 28, 1916, the California Perfume Company was incorporated in the state of New York. McConnell, Henderson, and William Scheele were listed as company officials.
Avon uses both door-to-door sales people ("Avon ladies" primarily, and a growing number of men) and brochures to advertise its products. Avon training centers help women who want to become Avon representatives selling beauty products, jewelry, accessories and clothing. The Avon training centers can have a small retail section with skin care products, such as creams, serums, makeup, and washes. There are classroom areas where the representatives learn about the products and sales techniques. Each Avon representative is an independent sales representative running their own business. Some of the brands include Avon, Avon Naturals, Skin-So-Soft and Mark.
