THE WHAT? Avon has announced an ‘exciting new chapter’ in its 137-year history. The Natura &Co-owned direct sales brand is set to open a series of bricks and mortar stores in the UK, Brazil and South Africa.

THE DETAILS According to a report published by BBC News, the stores will be located in ‘neighbourhood communities’ and serve as ‘mini beauty boutiques’. The number of stores to be opened has yet to be confirmed and it’s believed that reps will be offered the chance to run them as franchises.

THE WHY? CEO Angela Cretu told the BBC that the company is looking to meet its customers where they are and the boom in online sales since the pandemic has led to a need to provide a space where shoppers can experience the products IRL. It already boasts some 63 stores in Turkey and is stocked in selected Superdrug pharmacies in the UK.