Companies optimistic about growth in European and Asian markets
By: SSN Staff
While the volatile economy, inflation, and geopolitical conflict in Europe have proven to be significant challenges for many direct selling companies’ top-line sales of late, the final months of 2022 have seen several direct sellers expand their markets, research hubs, and operations on an international scale.
Amway Expands Research and Development Operations
Amway announced recently plans to expand its research and development reach on an international scale. In a Dec. 8 release, the Ada, Michigan-based company revealed its plans to open a Business Innovation Hub in the Central Business District of Singapore.
Promoted as a springboard for its next stage of strategic growth in Asia, the new hub will allow Amway to accelerate and support product innovation in the country where it has provided health and wellness products and entrepreneurial opportunity for over 20 years. Amway cites the evolving wellness needs in the Asian as well as global markets as its motivation to proceed with this strategic expansion.
The company also stated that it believes the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumers’ focus on health and lifestyle changes, as well as their use of technology and digital tools to manage these changes. Amway is hoping to meet these new consumer needs by allowing scientists, technologists, marketers, supply chain and agriculture experts to work together, leveraging the new innovation hub, which will be in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board.
“The Singapore Business Innovation Hub was created, and strategically placed, to accelerate innovative problem solving, drive our business forward, and tap into cross-functional expertise to deliver products that cater to both regional and global consumers’ evolving wellness needs,” said Asha Gupta, Amway’s regional president, Asia and chief strategy and corporate development officer.
Mannatech Launches in Thailand
Flower Mound, Texas-based Mannatech announced in December that it will be entering the Thailand market in 2023. The move will bring the health and wellness company’s global presence to 26 markets.
With a direct sales market of about $3.1 billion in 2020, Thailand is regarded as a significant growth opportunity for the company.
“The expansion of Mannatech into Thailand will present an exciting opportunity for the company. As a global leader in the health and wellness industry, this expansion will help us continue to grow and reach more individuals around the world,” said Al Bala, president and CEO of Mannatech.
Oriflame Enters German Market
Swedish beauty direct seller, Oriflame, announced on Nov. 30, 2022, that it was entering the German market. Marking the first time in 20 years that it has entered a new European market, Oriflame hopes to take advantage of the growing beauty and cosmetic market in Germany.
Oriflame stated on its website that its new German distributors would have access to the company’s success plan, recently launched business digital tools as well as Oriflame’s new e-catalogue.
“In preparations for the launch of this market, we received a lot of positive feedback from Social Selling entrepreneurs in Germany and neighboring countries, who expressed their interest in joining Oriflame as Brand Partners and recommending our products to customers from day one. We welcome these founding members into our global Beauty community and wish them great success,” said Lilian Facht, Oriflame’s country representative in Germany.
Oriflame products are now available in more than 60 markets.
eXp Realty Expands to Poland, Dubai
Bellingham, Washington-based eXp Realty continues its fast growth with the November announcement that it is expanding into Poland and Dubai. According to news releases, Exp Realty now operates in 25 global markets with the support of more than 86,000 agents. Earlier in the year, the direct seller entered the Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand and Chile.
The company boasts an “immersive and collaborative virtual platform” enabling business to be conducted in the metaverse.
Dorota CHomuntowska, who will lead the company’s brokerage operations in Poland, said “eXp Realty’s innovative and agent-centric model will positively change the lives of so many in the Polish real estate market.”
Michael Valdes, eXp Realty’s chief growth officer, said the expansion is a smart strategic move for the company.
“Poland’s rapid growth and continued resilience in the real estate market, along with its rich and multi-cultural history, speak to the attractiveness of its property sector for both foreign and domestic investments and strategically complements our existing European presence,” Valdes said.
With eXp entering Dubai, it will be the company’s second Middle East market. The move into the United Arab Emirates marks the sixth market to open in 2022.
Heading up operations in Dubai will be Dounia Fadi, who has more than 18 years of real estate experience in the ultra-modern city.
“Dubai is building for the future, and eXp Realty is the future of real estate, bringing powerful and unparalleled innovation to the real estate market,” said Fadi. “I knew right away that I wanted to be the one to bring this disruptive model to Dubai and am thrilled to lead this expansion.”
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