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Avon

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1. In what way does Avon follow a global strategy? Does this experience indicate that it should pursue a different strategy?

Avon follows a global strategy by looking for the most efficient ways to grow and conduct its business. Avon “pursues economies of scale and scope in manufacturing, logistics and marketing by selecting the most cost-effective facility locations and scales of operation on a worldwide basis.” They stick to what they are good at and only change their products if they see there is a demand from their consumers. Rather than producing multiple lines of cosmetics, each with different products, Avon was able to find a way to mass produce “global product” lines. Because of these lines, Avon was able to sell the same products in each of its 45 countries, only needing to change such things as packagaing and marketing. Avon goes through a strict routine before entering any of their products into the global marketplace. Any of their products that they want to take globally must first be tested on their US consumers, and only then can they attempt to take it up with Avon’s Global Product Council. There is planning that goes on every step of the way.

2. What options did Avon have in responding to China’s ban on direct selling?

Avon had no choice but to cease all of its direct selling business in China immediately. Avon’s entire business revolves around direct selling. Therefore they had no way of continuing in China without first pulling out and researching potential new options to reenter that market. Pulling out of China, at least temporarily, was definitely the right choice for Avon.

3. What effects will the use of traditional retailing in China have on Avon’s overall marketing strategy?

China’s ban on direct selling and its demand for the use of traditional retailing will definitely cause Avon’s share of the Chinese market to drop

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