A Brief History of Avon Cosmetics

Avon Cosmetics is a well-known global beauty company that has been around for over 135 years. The company was founded by David H. McConnell in 1886, in New York City. McConnell, a traveling book salesman, had noticed that his female customers were more interested in the free perfume samples he offered than in his books. This led him to the idea of creating a perfume company that would be run by women and sell its products directly to consumers.

Initially, the company was called the California Perfume Company, and it sold just five fragrances. The name "Avon" was adopted in 1939, inspired by the Avon River in McConnell's native England. By this time, the company had expanded beyond fragrances and was selling a wider range of beauty products.

In the early days, Avon products were sold door-to-door by female representatives, who were known as Avon Ladies. This model allowed women to earn an income at a time when few opportunities were available to them. It also allowed Avon to establish a personal relationship with its customers and offer personalized recommendations.

During World War II, Avon shifted its focus to producing products for the war effort, such as mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer. After the war, the company resumed its focus on beauty products, expanding its range to include skincare, makeup, and hair care.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Avon became a global company, expanding to markets in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The company also introduced new products, such as Skin-So-Soft, a moisturizer that became one of its most popular products.

Throughout the decades, Avon has remained committed to empowering women. In the 1970s, the company launched the Avon Foundation, which supports causes such as breast cancer research and domestic violence prevention. In the 1990s, Avon became the first major cosmetic company to stop testing its products on animals.

In recent years, Avon has faced challenges as the beauty industry has evolved. The company has struggled to keep up with the rise of e-commerce and the changing preferences of younger consumers. In 2019, the company was acquired by Brazilian beauty company Natura & Co, with the aim of revitalizing the brand and expanding its reach.

Despite these challenges, Avon remains an iconic brand with a rich history. Its commitment to empowering women and supporting important causes has helped to make it a beloved brand around the world. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Avon adapts to stay relevant and continue to thrive.

Several examples of rare Avon collectibles are available in the shop, Duckwells, including a rare California Perfume Company calendar.