In the past, we’ve used this report to focus solely on billion-dollar markets, but this year we’ve decided to take a fresh approach, one that provides a snapshot of how direct selling feels on the ground right now: cautious in some regions, quietly resilient in others and—in select pockets around the world—newly energized. Against a backdrop of inflation hangovers, geopolitical tension, regulatory scrutiny and economic uncertainty, direct selling continues to do what it has always done—adapt locally while thinking globally. What follows is a regional look at where the channel stands today; what pressures are shaping it; and where opportunity still lives.

Our current cover story A World in Motion takes an in-depth look at the current state of direct selling across the globe. We utilized the latest World Federation of Direct Selling’s Global Statistical Data Report as well as insights provided from Direct Selling Associations around the world. We are incredibly grateful for the candor and thoughtfulness of the responses we received. While we couldn’t include the totality of their insights in the article, we wanted to make sure we provided access to this valuable information to our readers. So, we’ve shared their full comments as an online exclusive.

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) released its annual STATS report. According to its data, global retail sales for the industry remained static in 2024 at $163.9 billion. This is a significant milestone as it suggests the “post-pandemic slump may be bottoming out” as growth picks back up for 2025.

Resilience was the overarching theme of direct selling around the world in 2023. Following jarring supply chain disruptions in 2020, 2021 and 2022 that sent companies scrambling to keep inventory stable and source raw ingredients and packaging components, 2023 delivered elevated global inflation of 7 percent and ongoing conflicts that impacted a number of markets. In spite of this, […]

Global retail sales grew 1% over the past four years. According to this year’s annual report from the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), the direct selling channel saw a 2.3% year-over-year decrease in global sales in 2023, amounting to $167.6 billion. While this was a decline, it is still above pre-pandemic sales levels in 2019.

Taking a brand international is a big step for any company. New markets mean new customers, expanded audiences and unique opportunities to try out products that might not be a fit for the original hometown fans. Not to mention, exposure to new cultures and ways of life can be inspirational for product development teams eager to serve the needs and wants of new demographics. Gaining ground internationally can add revenue and stockholder value and build traction abroad that can bolster the domestic team when sales at home turn stagnant.

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) released its annual publication detailing the specific results and data surrounding the trends and dynamics within the direct selling industry, as well as global, regional and country-specific results.

In many ways, 2020 was an uninvited guest who overstayed their welcome into 2021. Three previous fiscal quarters of widespread lockdowns and hiding from COVID gave way to a year of adaptation for the global direct selling industry. Direct sellers across the globe emerged into the sunlight to face ever-changing, mid-pandemic operational environments and in some markets, post-pandemic business climates that brought fairly large swings in sales performance—some for the better and some for the worse.

In an end of year message, World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) Chairman Roger Barnett shared a reflection on the industry growth experienced in 2021.  Collective industry sales increased by 2.3%, an increase that amounts to $179 billion. Participants within the industry now totals more than 125 million people.   There were also significant regulatory […]

Taking a Stand. Making an Impact. Corporate Social Responsibility is an expectation, the price of entry to succeed and remain relevant in business. We are what we say; what we do; how we do it; and what we choose not to do. Our products, the programs we initiate, the technological and social advancements we usher forth—they all matter. They comprise […]

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations hosted its first ever virtual World Congress. Hosted by DSA Thailand, the event attracted more than 1,273 delegates from 49 countries, government officials, academics and media. 

Amway Board of Directors Co-Chairman Doug DeVos was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) for his legacy of service within the direct selling channel.