Avon

The California Perfume Company, the forerunner of Avon. was founded in 1886 by David H McConnell, an American, who spent his school vacations selling Bibles. He realized that the small samples of rose oil perfume, which he gave out with God's Word, were received with greater enthusiasm than the Bibles themselves.

McConnell realized that women would rather buy from women, so he set about building up a team of housewives selling to friends and relatives.

The California Perfume Company, Inc. of New York filed their first trademark application for Avon on June 3, 1932 with the USPTO. The change of the name of the business to Avon came after McConnell was impressed by a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon in England.

The UK branch was launched in the 1950s and became famous for its 'Ding-dong, Avon calling' advertising campaign.

In 1989, Avon became the first major cosmetics manufacturer to permanently stop using animals in safety testing.

Avon started off selling cosmetics but now also offers fragrance, jewellery, clothes and home accessories.

An Avon training center in the Bronx

With 6.4 million representatives, operating in over 100 countries, Avon is the second largest direct-selling enterprise in the world (after Amway).

Brazil is Avon's largest market, passing the United States in 2010. 

The company launched a new marketing campaign in September 2020, entitled "Watch Me Now"

Someone buys an Avon lipstick every three seconds.

Source Daily Mail