Avon Will Seek to Expand Internet Sales

Avon Products Inc. said it will spend $60 million during the next three years to expand sales on the Internet. The 113-year-old cosmetics company, which sells primarily through a direct sales force of 2.8 million, said it will upgrade its Avon.com site next year with a wider selection of products and customized Web pages for many of its representatives. After the site is revamped, customers who log on can choose to buy from an “e-representative” or directly from the company. If they choose a representative, they save on shipping costs, Avon said. New York-based Avon went online in 1997 but has done little to promote Internet sales. Even so, about 400,000 people visit Avon’s site each month. Avon shares fell 50 cents to $34.19 on the NYSE.