Avon Cosmetics

Description

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Avon lady has had her foot in the door in the UK since 1959, making the country one of the largest direct-selling markets for parent Avon Products; Avon is the number three beauty brand in the country. Some 160,000 independent sales reps sell cosmetics directly to customers at home parties and work get-togethers. Its catalog is distributed every three weeks to nearly 8 million potential customers. Avon Cosmetics' distribution center, located in Corby, processes about 10,000 orders daily. The company banned animal-testing of its products in 1989.

Meijer

Description

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meijer (pronounced "Meyer") is a giant of retailing in the Midwest. The company's huge grocery and general merchandise stores average 200,000 to 250,000 sq. ft. each (or about the size of four regular grocery stores) and stock about 120,000 items, including Meijer private-label products. Meijer operates about 190 locations; about half of its stores are in Michigan while the rest are in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Customers can choose from about 40 departments, including apparel, electronics, hardware, and toys. Most stores also sell gasoline, offer banking services, and have multiple in-store restaurants. Founder Hendrik Meijer opened his first store in 1934; the company is still family owned.