Direct Selling On The Rise In Recession

Amway UK invests in training and development at innovative Experience Centre

One of the leading global direct-selling companies, Amway UK, has invested £¼ million to refurbish its Flagship Experience Centre in the heart of London, following an increasing demand to accommodate training facilities at the new concept site.

It reflects the well documented success of the direct selling industry in the UK.  Statistics from The Direct Selling Association (DSA) show that currently the industry contributes to £390million annually to the UK economy with almost 400,000 people working in the industry.  Self-employment figures have also risen by 89,000 to a record high of 4.16million. 

The direct selling industry offers a convenient shopping solution for busy consumers.  As online shopping has increased in popularity, direct selling has also seen the impact.

While many retail businesses are struggling in the recession, Amway UK has seen sales totalling £9.7million in 2011, in addition the number of new ABOs has increased by 26% in 2012  

Amway’s success can be partly attributed to its direct selling recession proof business model, its appeal to budding entrepreneurs and offering a flexible working solution.  Amway Business Owners (ABOs) have the benefit of being in charge of their own business whilst benefitting from the support of Amway offering on-going training and mentoring.  Equally, it provides a flexible second income for many others able to fit work around their family commitments – an added benefit in the current economic climate.

This uplift in growth for Amway has led to the re-development of the Flagship Experience Centre (FEC) to cater for this ever-increasing demand in training for ABOs.  Originally launched in 2009, the flagship experience centre provides not only training facilities, it is the first direct selling company to offer a sophisticated retail experience where consumers can see and trial the products before committing to purchasing.

With over 80,000 visitors to date, in addition to the persistent growth in ABO’s, Amway recognised the need for flexible meeting spaces and the continual progression of training programmes to increase ABO’s knowledge – thus, ultimately benefitting the business, and the customer ensure that they have the most in depth knowledge of the product they buy.

Earlier this year to support the Flagship Experience Centre’s success, the centre was recognised when it won the Direct Selling Association ‘Innovations Award’ at the industry’s DSA Awards. 

Reprinted by with kind permission.