RETAIL SUCCESS
Direct selling rakes in R12.9bn
Direct sellers are coining it as more people join the industry amid tough economic conditions
Listed retail may be having a tough time, but direct sellers are coining it. Results from the Direct Selling Association of SA show that the direct selling industry experienced double-digit growth, generating sales of R12.9bn in 2016. The association is made up of 34 entities in the health, beauty, homeware and financial services and products sectors. "Direct selling is growing, especially in our current economic environment," said chairman Ernest du Toit. "You can sell most products through direct selling but beauty, health and wellness have not stopped their growth since the Second World War. Household goods are also popular and Tupperware sells extremely well." In 2016, the number of direct selling business owners grew to more than 122,000, a 35% increase from 2015. "As conditions are becoming more challenging, we are finding that more people are joining the industry. Currently, this form of retail accounts for less than 10% of total sales, but there is definitely scope for growt...
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