Earlier this month, Tupperware Corporation changed it’s name to Tupperware Brands Corporation. Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO said, “This name change will reinforce that we are a multi-brand, multi-category direct sales company.”

Tupperware expanded into the cosmetics industry in 2000 when it purchased BeautiContol and the company recently acquired the cosmetics division of the Sara Lee (more about the acquisition) .

The UK based Body Shop International Group attributes part of its recent sales success to its direct sales division, Body Shop at Home. The company expects annual profits to be up 22% and recently increased its dividends for the first time in many years. Body Shop at Home enjoyed a 10% increase in revenue during the first half of their 2006 fiscal year.

Read the complete story at Bloomberg.com.

Tupperware Corporation expands further into beauty product sales by purchasing a Sara Lee direct sales division. The division sells makeup, skin-care products and fragrances through independent sales representatives in Latin America and Asia.

Tupperware, best known for its food storage containers that were introduced in the late 1940′s, expanded into the beauty business when it purchased BeautiControl in 2000.

Get the complete details of the purchase in the Chicago Sun Times article.

Over the past month or so I’ve received word that several direct sales and MLM companies suddenly closed their doors completely or discontinued their direct sales divisions.

In January, Affordable Luxuries (which sold several brand name candles, including Yankee Candles) abruptly closed.

Just last week, Gold Entertainment discontinued it’s MLM program stating that it was “no longer economically viable.” Members marketed that service through MyMovieBiz.net.

It appears that Creative Living Network is no longer operational as the website now forwards to it’s parent company www.duncancrafts.com and there is no mention of a direct sales opportunity. Products are available at retail craft stores.

Ravenwood Spa is still retailing products, but also discontinued its consultant program.

Every once in a while I find myself tempted to join a direct sales company. Not because I need or want another business, but because I come across a company that I think would be great to join. In just the past few weeks a couple of new companies caught my interest.

SimplyFun.com sounds, well… simply fun. What a fun and easy sales party that would be…. invite some friends over to play some games and let them order the ones they like.

PlantMakers.com appeals to me because it’s such a unique product that solves the problem most people have with houseplants. Incorrect watering is the most common cause of houseplants’ demise. PlantMakers plants grow in a special medium that requires less frequent watering and that pretty much announces when the plant needs watering.

And because they’re so new, both companies would be “ground floor” opportunities. Of course there’s some risk involved in joining a brand new company, but if they thrive, the rewards will be great.