The New York Stock Exchange recently welcomed Avon Products Inc. (NYSE: AVP) to celebrate more than 130 years of championing economic empowerment for women around the world.
Avon CEO Jan Zijderveld was invited to ring the closing bell. He was joined by several Avon executives and guests.
The 133-year-old Avon was founded in 1886 by book salesman David H. McConnell as the California Perfume Company. Upon noticing women taking more interest in the sample perfume bottles he gave away with purchases, McConnell realized he could offer women the opportunity to become entrepreneurs by selling perfumes to one another.
McConnell manufactured his own line of perfumes and then recruited a team of women to be Sales Representatives. The very first saleswoman was the iconic Avon lady, Mrs. P.F.E. Albee.
The California Perfume Company was incorporated in New York in 1912. In 1939, the company was renamed Avon.
