Oriflame upbeat

The twin moves are part of a bid to achieve 50-per-cent sales growth this year.

Managing director Supraporn SC Pao yesterday said the economic recession benefited direct sales, because the unemployed could turn to this industry. The direct-sales market is expected to grow 10 per cent this year from its present value of Bt45 billion.

She said increasing product volume and the number of agents to 30,000 this year will be crucial to her company's success. She declined to specify last year's product volume.

Supraporn said her company achieved higher-than-expected sales growth of 75 per cent last year. It had targeted only 50 per cent.

Oriflame will spend Bt8 million to host a roadshow on 10 university campuses across the country this year, in order to create brand awareness among younger consumers. Most of its present customers are aged 40 and above.