Avon's new "factory of dreams"

CEBU, Philippines - March 20, 2009 marked a big day for Avon Philippines here in Cebu as it inaugurated and formally opened its new branch along Osmeña Boulevard. Top Avon executives, headed by no less than Avon Philippines President and General Manager Bob Briddon, who flew in to Cebu to celebrate the momentous event.

“The opening of the new Avon branch in Cebu is a testament to Avon’s commitment to providing the best for its representatives,” Mr. Briddon said during the opening ceremonies. “Offering the best beauty products is a commitment that goes hand in hand with our commitment to give them the best earning opportunities. The new Avon Cebu branch promises our representatives a shopping experience that will enable them to serve their customers better,” he added.

The new Avon Cebu branch boasts of a modern-looking façade and interiors. The branch also provides Avon representatives with a hassle-free shopping experience. Mr. Briddon said the modern look of the Avon Cebu branch is the first in the country. He said Avon Philippines decided to renovate the Avon Cebu branch first because Cebu has the most potential among its 21 branches all over the country, and is one of the strongest locations of the country’s leading direct selling company.

Avon first came to the Philippines and provided income opportunities to Filipino women when it acquired Beautifont, then the country’s leading direct seller, in 1978. Thirty years after, Avon remains to be the country’s number 1 direct selling company, providing quality products as well as income opportunities.

“This new branch is a place where people come and make their dreams come true. This is not just a building. This is a dream factory and dreams do come true here,” Mr. Briddon said to the delight of Avon ladies who were present during the inauguration.

Arcie Golosinda, an Avon sales leader for 26 years now, is thankful for all the things that Avon made possible for him and his family. Mr. Golosinda inherited the Avon business from his first wife.

“My first wife was an Avon franchise manager. I would help her sometimes so I was familiar with the business. When she died, I took over the business. Since then Avon has provided almost everything for my family. We acquired real properties, cars and went on trips abroad because of our Avon business,” shared Mr. Golosinda, who remarried and is now living with his second wife’s five children from a previous marriage, and his two children from his first marriage.

“Life is good in Avon. You don’t only develop financially, you also help others,” said the 56-year-old franchise manager.

Aside from providing employment opportunities and providing products that make women beautiful, Avon Philippines also raises funds for the campaign against breast cancer through the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer and Avon Walk against Breast Cancer. Since 2002, Avon Philippines has raised more than P12 million to support the crusade and the beneficiaries of the project include the Avon PGH Breast Care Center and selected provincial hospitals in key cities nationwide.