India’s Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has changed the operating model of its direct-selling business, Hindustan Unilever Network, paving the way for a likely debut in e-commerce.
“The Hindustan Unilever Network business model has transitioned from physical servicing to an online ordering and fulfillment model,” an HUL spokesperson said.
Consumers can buy the Aviance and Lever Ayush range of health and beauty products through HUL network consultants, who will operate only online now and will no longer have any physical offices. HUL did not provide additional details.
The maker of Dove soap and Surf detergent, which launched the direct-selling division in 2003 to offer high-value home and beauty-care products, attributed the change in model to “optimising operating costs and making the business more competitive.”
Analysts said HUL may be testing the waters in the ecommerce space and could