The direct selling industry experienced record high retail sales in 2021 in the United States, according to the Direct Selling Association’s (DSA) Direct Selling Growth and Outlook Survey for 2021.
“The U.S. direct selling channel experienced record-setting sales and growth during the pandemic,” said Joseph N. Mariano, DSA President. “As expected, in 2021 the number of direct sellers has moved closer to pre-pandemic levels after the significant increase in 2020. The impact our channel had on local economies, its philanthropic contributions to communities across the country, and the demonstrated resilience of the business model represent ongoing momentum for stable, sustainable growth.”
The channel served 44.6 million customers, resulting in a 6.4% increase in retail sales, or $42.7 billion. The number of direct sellers decreased 5.2% during 2020 to 7.3 million, a number that remains higher than the total reported the previous year.
“Innovation and flexibility are the hallmarks of direct selling companies, to the benefit of direct sellers and consumers,” Mariano said. “The public’s opinion of the direct selling channel, in large part for the way it adapted to a rapidly changing and disruptive world, may be the industry’s greatest achievement. Direct sellers and customers alike entered this decade at an incredible level of momentum and respect.”
