Amway says purchasing power

Managing director Preecha Prakobkit described the purchasing power of Thai consumers as "stagnant" so far this year.

"Consumer sentiment did not improve. Sales increased only when we launched marketing events or when we recruited new sales representatives," said Preecha.

"Though our sales grew by up to 10 per cent in the first four months of the year, we are quite conservative in our projection for the whole year, which will be at only 7 per cent,'' said Preecha.

Ratana Channara, marketing director, said that despite this economic uncertainty, people continued to spend money on food supplements and cosmetic products, helping drive sales in the first four months of this year.

Amway yesterday launched Artistry Essentials products for the first time in Thailand, aiming to tap young people entering the work place as distributors. Artistry Essentials is a skin-care line made from natural ingredients. The company plans to allocate Bt100 million to promote it this year.

With the launch of its new product, Amway aims for a market of two million young professional Thai women, as well as Amway business owners and distributors.

"The number of Amway distributors who are first jobbers aged 20-25 has increased to 30 per cent of our total of 300,000," said Ratana.

The company believes that by launching this new product line it shows it is confident of a wider market.