Avon Products

Avon Products

No. 13

Industry: Personal Products
Sales: $10.7 billion
Net Income: $875.3 million

Rising unemployment isn't good news for most retailers. But CEO Andrea Jung is trying to take advantage of the uptick in joblessness by expanding the 5.8 million-strong sales force at Avon (AVP), the world's largest direct-seller of cosmetics. As more people look for ways to earn extra cash, Jung is offering perks such as gas money, free online sales training, and a Web site where Avon reps can post questions to author and financial adviser Suze Orman. Jung is also looking for recruits in overseas markets, particularly in China, where in 2006 Avon was the first company to receive a direct-selling license. Avon made 77% of its sales outside of North America in 2008. Although the stronger dollar doesn't help, Avon increased revenues by 8%, to $10.7 billion, in the past year.