Oriflame’s direct sales team doubles in line with part time work trend
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The UK division of Swedish direct selling company, Oriflame Cosmetics has reported a growth in its consultant numbers in line with the recent unemployment statistics reported by the ONS.
The Milton Keynes based company said the size of its sales force for the three years ending August 30 had increased by almost 100% with 800 new recruits coming on board in the last 3 months alone.
Oriflame UK Ltd CEO Eric McClenaghan has underlined the fact that flexible work options are continuing to provide an important outlet for both employers and jobseekers.
He said: “Last week’s ONS figures show that the number of people in part-time work rose by 134,000 to 8.12 million, the highest level since 1992, when these numbers began to be collected. These figures fit with Oriflame’s own sales force data which has shown a marked acceleration over recent months.
“People are turning to part-time roles like direct selling as an alternative income source thanks to the flexibility it offers and the low start-up costs. Direct sellers can work the hours they wish – it is truly flexible. Many of our consultants have made a successful long-term career out of it whereas others choose to earn an extra income on a temporary basis.”
Oriflame is one of the UK’s fastest growing beauty companies selling direct, with an annual growth of 25% per annum for the past four years. The direct selling industry as a whole is defying the recession with year on year growth.
According to McClenaghan, direct-selling companies are bucking the trend by riding on stable demand, direct engagement with consumers, flexibility in market penetration and lower costs.
He believes Oriflame’s success lies in its investment in people working in the field; “we have provided our consultants with first class products and excellent support materials. We also remain one of the truly free to join operations in the UK.”
He adds: “Going forward, we are confident in our ambitions to strengthen the income opportunity for our Oriflame consultants through innovation and brand building thereby securing a long-term sales force increase.”
