11.01.13
Blyth, Inc. today said Q3 sales fell 33% to $179.5 million, primarily due to lower sales at ViSalus, which markets supplements, energy drinks and weight management products.
"The overall sales decline year-over-year was largely driven by the lower North American Promoter count at ViSalus versus 2012's third quarter, and, while Promoter count continued to trend downward, we are encouraged by the focused efforts to re-launch North America undertaken by the leadership team," said Robert B. Goergen, chairman and chief executive officer. "Moreover, ViSalus continues to address the infrastructure implications of its extremely rapid growth in 2012 while, at the same time, responding to the need for the product diversification and geographic expansion critical to its future success."
In contrast, Goergen said Blyth's Candles & Home Decor unit is improving.
"There are indications that our investments in technology, as well as targeted training and business-building programs, are beginning to have a positive impact at PartyLite," he explained. "Consultant websites, online shopping, preferred customer programs and direct-to-customer shipping have coupled with a great product offering to help resourceful consultants grow their businesses. Furthermore, these innovations are beginning to have the positive effect of attracting and retaining both consultants and customers by making it both easier and rewarding to do business with PartyLite, as evidenced by the favorable consultant trends outside North America."
Still, the company reported an operating loss of $10.1 million versus income of $7.8 million last year, largely driven by the decline in sales.
"The overall sales decline year-over-year was largely driven by the lower North American Promoter count at ViSalus versus 2012's third quarter, and, while Promoter count continued to trend downward, we are encouraged by the focused efforts to re-launch North America undertaken by the leadership team," said Robert B. Goergen, chairman and chief executive officer. "Moreover, ViSalus continues to address the infrastructure implications of its extremely rapid growth in 2012 while, at the same time, responding to the need for the product diversification and geographic expansion critical to its future success."
In contrast, Goergen said Blyth's Candles & Home Decor unit is improving.
"There are indications that our investments in technology, as well as targeted training and business-building programs, are beginning to have a positive impact at PartyLite," he explained. "Consultant websites, online shopping, preferred customer programs and direct-to-customer shipping have coupled with a great product offering to help resourceful consultants grow their businesses. Furthermore, these innovations are beginning to have the positive effect of attracting and retaining both consultants and customers by making it both easier and rewarding to do business with PartyLite, as evidenced by the favorable consultant trends outside North America."
Still, the company reported an operating loss of $10.1 million versus income of $7.8 million last year, largely driven by the decline in sales.