#USA #Washington, D.C. #direct selling #Global Sales #WFDSA

Steady Growth in Direct Selling: WFDSA's 2024 Report

In a recent report released by the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), the organization highlighted the resilience of the direct selling industry during 2024. Despite ongoing economic challenges globally, the sector demonstrated great stability and potential for growth.

According to the WFDSA, global retail sales from direct selling reached approximately $164 billion in 2024, reflecting a slight increase of $675 million compared to pre-pandemic sales figures. Notably, about 45% of the markets surveyed reported growth, which is a promising sign for the industry.

The number of independent representatives grew marginally to 104.3 million, with women representing a significant 72.1% of this workforce. Roger Barnett, the chairman of the WFDSA and CEO of Shaklee Corporation, stated, “We take pride in representing a sector that offers opportunities to over 100 million entrepreneurs. It makes a significant difference for their families and contributes positively to the communities in which we operate.” He emphasized the dominance of the U.S. market while also pointing out emerging growth in Brazil, India, and China.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the strongest market, bolstered by new emerging players such as Malaysia. However, the Americas have shown the most robust growth in 2024, illustrating a diverse landscape within the industry.

The report also identified that 21 markets maintained a billion-dollar sales status, embodying 92% of total global sales. The focus areas included wellness products, cosmetics, and personal care items, with K-beauty brands leading the pack.

One key takeaway from the report is the relatively low startup costs associated with entering the direct selling industry. “With strong community support and high-quality products available, direct selling remains an attractive and solid path for entrepreneurs globally, especially for women, though an increasing number of men are also joining this sector,” commented Shaila Manyam, the WFDSA executive director.

The WFDSA’s comprehensive study serves as a definitive source of information, collating data from 55 global markets. It delves into potential factors that could affect the industry heading into 2025, including trade tariffs, technological advancements, and the rising interest in entrepreneurship.

For more details, the full report is available at WFDSA Global Statistics.

Quick Facts:

• - Global retail sales in 2024: $163.9 billion (virtually unchanged from 2023)
• - Top 10 Markets:

- United States
- Germany
- China
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Japan
- Brazil
- France
- Taiwan
- India

• - Billion-dollar markets: 21, accounting for 92% of global sales.
• - Key sectors: Wellness, personal care, household goods, and durable goods.
• - Independent entrepreneurs: 104.3 million, an increase of 0.1% with 72.1% being women.