Here is another couple in love. This pair have a back drop of trees filled with cherry blossoms. They are advertising a new fragrance product from Avon called WISHING.
Wishing…Avon’s new fragrance magic, gay as May!
Avon was a big deal in the mid-century. It was a brilliant direct-selling idea. Avon would supply monthly advertising brochures and selling kits to independent contractors called Avon Representatives (AKA The Avon Lady). The Avon Lady would then sell the product to her friends and neighbors. The product would be sent to the seller who would then deliver it to the buyer’s home. This would be another excuse to sell more product. Each order would include a sample of some sort. I remember lots of samples of lipstick or lotion.
As I recall, Avon originally sold only cosmetics and perfumes. They then expanded to small gifts such as earrings and broches.
Avon allowed the stay-at-home mother to make money by selling to her social contacts. It was a perfect business model for the time.
Avon Calling gives you the opportunity to try on Wishing! Your neighborly Avon Representative will call soon so you may try on this exquisite new Avon Fragrance. Do welcome her when she calls.
The ad appeared in the October 1963 edition of Good Housekeeping. By this time, advertisers had moved away from the 1950’s style of illustrations for their ads. The 1960’s represented change to the American culture and this was reflected in advertising and magazine content. Here are images of the cover and table of contents.
Mid-Century Page 
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