The direct selling industry reported turnover of Rs 6,385 crore for 2011-12 on the back of demand from the wellness, healthcare and cosmetic categories. It had posted a turnover of Rs 5,229 crore in 2010-11.

The Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA), representing the growing non-store retail format, said that insurance and durables could be the future drivers of growth for the sector, with new players joining the fray.

The industry, however, may see a dip in growth tempo during the current year following the economic situation (slowdown), S.P Sharma, Chief Economist, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.

“The industry has shown a 22 per cent growth. We hope to maintain the tempo over the next three years,” IDSA Chairman, S Subramanian, told reporters, adding that their distributor base had also reached 50 lakh.

IDSA Secretary General Chavi Hemanth, however, said clear policy guidelines needed to be framed to separate the industry from pyramid schemes.

>bindu.menon@thehindu.co.in

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