Direct Selling's U.S. Economic and Employment Footprint Continues to Expand, According to New, National Survey Data

June 1, 2015

San Antonio, Tex. – Direct Selling Association (DSA) today at its 2015 Annual Meeting released new data indicating that retail sales volume among U.S. direct selling companies grew 5.5% between 2013 and 2014 to $34.47 billion.  Individuals involved in direct selling increased 8.3% during the same period, surpassing over 18 million (18.2 million) Americans for the first time.

“Direct selling is alive and well in communities across America and continues to grow at a solid pace, because millions of Americans want employment opportunities that work the way they want to,” said Joseph N. Mariano, DSA’s President.  “That’s why direct selling remains attractive to so many people --- young parents, caregivers, military spouses, veterans, students, retirees and others --- who appreciate opportunities to build a business on their own terms.”

The new data was released in conjunction with DSA’s 2015 Top 20 -- leading companies based on 2014 United States net sales.  The companies are:

  • AdvoCare International, LP
  • Ambit Energy
  • Amway
  • Arbonne International, LLC
  • Herbalife
  • Isagenix International
  • LegalShield
  • LifeVantage Corporation
  • Mary Kay Inc.
  • Melaleuca, Inc.
  • Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.
  • Nu Skin Enterprises
  • Rodan + Fields
  • Scentsy, Inc.
  • Shaklee Corporation
  • Stream Energy
  • Take Shape for Life, Inc.-Medifast
  • Team Beachbody
  • Thirty-One Gifts
  • USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    Mariano continued, “I want to congratulate each member of this year’s Top 20 not only for their track record of success but also for their devotion to customers and to DSA.  Working together, we continue to ensure that ethical business practices and customer satisfaction are priorities in the marketplace.”

    Between 2007 and 2014, wellness products have steadily gained in popularity and now represent the largest major product group within the direct selling channel, according to the data, rising from 21.4% (2007) of total retail sales to 30.1% (2014).

    “As more people understand and pursue the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, it’s not surprising that wellness products continue to lead the direct selling channel,” said Mariano.

    The data also indicate steady growth in the services category, which rose from 19.2% of direct sales in the United States in 2010 to 23.1% in 2014.  

    The results, from DSA’s 2015 Growth & Outlook Report: U.S. Direct Selling in 2014, are based on responses from 108 direct selling companies and other sources, tabulated by economic consulting firm Nathan Associates.

    Nearly any product and service can be marketed through the direct selling channel, including clothing, housewares, insurance, energy, wellness goods and jewelry.

    An infographic explaining the survey results is available here; a video is available here.

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    The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the national trade association for companies that market products and services directly to consumers through an independent, entrepreneurial sales force.  More than 18 million Americans are involved in direct selling in every state, Congressional district and community in the United States.  In 2014, direct selling contributed more than $34 billion to the U.S. economy.  For more information, please visit www.dsa.org.

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