The end of the ‘Avon Lady’: Launceston representatives out of a job as Avon Australia closes up

Launceston-based representatives Maggie Chenery and Susan Taylor, known as ‘Avon Ladies’ by their customers, were devastated by the announcement, which was made on Avon’s Facebook page on Thursday.

Avon ANZ managing director Sharon Plant said it was “a very sad day for our employees and representatives”.

Ms Chenery has been an Avon representative for 23 years, and Ms Taylor for 10, and they have been involved in team leadership over the years.

Through hard work and doorknocking, they have both built networks of loyal clients and fellow representatives who have become a supportive, close-knit network, Ms Taylor said.

Many of their customers are retirees, often without a great deal of contact with the outside world – so a visit from the Avon Lady every three weeks is a bright spot in their day, Ms Chenery said.

Even if those customers didn’t need to buy an extra shower gel or two, they would still flick through the Avon catalogue and place an order – just to see a friendly face.

“There’s so many that rely on it,” Ms Chenery said.

“I feel like I’m letting so many people down.”

She said some clients had been purchasing Avon beauty products from her since her first year in the business – comfortable, familiar brands of high quality and affordable price for anyone.

Many customers are putting in large orders to try and stock up before the expected final campaign in April, but both women are concerned stock may run out.

For Ms Taylor, the announcement came on the same day she was awarded her 10-year Avon service pin.

“We’ve always called ourselves the Avon family,” she said.

Ms Chenery agreed, and said she would have to find another job, which would mean less opportunity to drop in and make sure some of her elderly clients were doing well.

“They’re friends, they’re not just customers,” she said.