Avon Products, the door-to- door cosmetics seller, is to close its Irish operations as part of a worldwide plan to cut 400 jobs and save $400 million by 2016.

A statement on its Irish website yesterday said: "Avon Cosmetics Ltd ceased trading in the Republic of Ireland on Monday, April 8th, 2013. If you are a customer in the Republic of Ireland and have questions, please contact your representative."

A statement from Avon's US headquarters on its website reads: "The latest actions include a global headcount reduction of more than 400 associates across all regions and functions, and the restructuring or closure of certain smaller, underperforming markets, primarily in Europe, Middle East and Africa, including the exit of the Republic of Ireland market.

“These actions, like those previously announced, are aimed at boosting efficiencies and concentrating resources on high-priority markets and activities. The company expects these actions to be largely completed before the end of 2013.”