Avon's bankruptcy threatens Hudson Valley housewives' incomes

A well-known cosmetics company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This brand is especially popular among housewives in the Hudson Valley area, many of whom rely on selling its products for extra income. Avon has a long history, starting in 1886 as the California Perfume Company. Over the years, it grew into a major player in beauty and personal care, offering a variety of products through direct selling. Many women, often referred to as "Avon Ladies," have found opportunities to build their own businesses by selling Avon products. However, in recent years, Avon has faced challenges from online competitors. In 2020, it was acquired by Brazilian company Natura & Co. Even with this acquisition, the brand continued to struggle with its finances. Recently, Avon revealed it was over $1 billion in debt and dealing with numerous lawsuits related to asbestos in its talc products. To manage these issues, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize its business and protect its U.S. operations. This situation raises concerns for many housewives in the Hudson Valley who sell Avon products as a side job. They hope that with this restructuring, they can continue their business and maintain their source of income.