Avon calling in Frankfort Square

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Cathy Shea and Vicky Earley (pictured from left) are not your typical Avon representatives.

Oh, they carry the usual Avon products such as soap and perfume, but these two ladies don't sell door-to-door or through parties at your neighbor's house. Shea and Earley are co-owners of an Avon store that is open to the public.

The partners opened their Avon retail outlet on Monday at 7212 W. Benton Drive in Frankfort Square (at the corner of Benton Drive and Harlem Avenue).

Their business is also a licensed Avon beauty center, which means they can train women, and men, to be Avon representatives. "We offer classes that help people get started in the business," says Earley, of Mokena.

"We lead a team of about 200 representatives," says Earley, who has been selling Avon for 10 years. "I like this so much it's my full-time job."

Shea, of Monee, has been selling Avon for about three years. She got started after approaching Earley at a demonstration.

Neither woman thinks this is a bad time to be starting a retail operation.

"Avon has been around 124 years," says Earley. "It survived the Great Depression. I think it will survive the current economy.

"Besides, women still want to wear their lipstick and makeup, and we have that at great prices."

As for men selling Avon?

"We have a lot of husband-wife teams," says Earley. "It's a great job for a couple."

Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on becoming a representative or to buy Avon products, call 815-464-0352.

Earley and Shea said customers will get 10 percent off of their first purchase, if they mention they read about the new store in Comings & Goings, which makes them the deal of the week. Just tell them, Bob sent me.