BradentonHerald:
Cosmetic companies are finding that women not only want to make themselves feel better in this recession with a dab of power and a swish of lipstick but they need that extra job selling those products too.
Local independent sales representatives for companies such as Mary Kay Cosmetics and Avon Products are finding their jobs are still profitable in this economy and some are finding a new career in direct sales after being laid off at their old jobs.
“Women still like to wear lipstick and they still like to take care of themselves,†said Beth Christopher, an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. “They’re not going to go without their make-up. That gives them a lift.â€
Mary Kay Cosmetics saw a 40 percent increase in new sales representatives in August 2008 from August 2007. Avon Products reported last year that its fourth-quarter profit increased 80 percent from 2007. And Avon has a new advertising campaign that aims to recruit more sales representatives. The ads point to economic conditions as reasons to consider selling Avon products.
“It used to be that representatives were coming to us to supplement their income,†said Carolyn Harmon, a Bradenton-based district sales manager for Avon. “Some are not only looking for supplemental income, but they’re also looking for full-time career opportunities.†Avon has 700 sales representatives in the Manatee County area.
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