In an email sent out on Friday, Epicure was no more. The company that’s been around for 34 years is well known for it’s spices, rubs, dips and cookware.
PAC Epicure Fundraiser
It’s headquarters in North Saanich, BC employed around 175 people.
The email from owner and found, Sylvie Rochette, said Epicure was unable to recover from the financial challenges that have affected the direct-sales sector in recent years.
Like other direct-sales companies such as Tupperware, Avon and Mary Kay, Epicure relied on a network of sales associates — called consultants — to host parties where guests can try out the company’s products, look at catalogues, socialize and shop.
Those promoting the products get a share of the sales revenue. Top-performing consultants could win overseas trips and some reportedly earned six-figure incomes. The vast majority of consultants were women.
Epicure came from humble origins in a Victoria basement. In the early 1990s, Rochette put together four blends of spices to sell and made $286 on her first day offering her wares at a Central Saanich market.
