Iconic beauty industry company Avon has announced its decision to close its operations in Australia and New Zealand by the end of the year.

Avon ANZ President and Managing Director Sharon Plant said, “this is a very sad day for our employees and Representatives.

“As a management team our commitment and focus over the coming days, weeks and months is to support our people and the wider Avon community who are impacted by this decision,” she said.

“I would like to thank all the employees, Representatives and Customers who have supported Avon’s business over the years.”

Avon has been a stalwart of the beauty industry in Australia, where the term ‘Avon Lady’ became a part of the vernacular due to the high number of women selling the products to their friends at special parties.