Information on the Weekenders USA discontinued direct selling program.
Original Npros business profile for Weekenders USA, preserved below for archival purposes:
Weekenders was a Canadian fashion direct-selling company founded in 1984 by George Raynault and Robert Bailey, who established Canadian Weekender Co. and developed the business around coordinated women's clothing sold through independent representatives rather than retail stores. Weekenders subsequently expanded into the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and other international markets. The U.S. operation was established during the 1980s and was led for many years by Rosemary Rudman, a former Avon sales-management executive who became president of Weekenders' U.S. business in 1987. By 1996, Weekenders reported approximately $80 million in annual sales, and management projected sales of more than $100 million for 1997. At that time, the company had more than 8,500 sales representatives, including 214 in the Washington, D.C. area.
Weekenders specialized in coordinated women's casual and business clothing designed so individual pieces could be mixed and matched into multiple outfits. Its collections included tops, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, camisoles, jackets and coordinated accessories, along with belts and costume jewelry. Canadian trademark records specifically describe the merchandise as women's clothing and fashion accessories "sold through direct sales channels and not through retail store locations." The company's clothing was marketed primarily through home fashion presentations where consultants demonstrated combinations of garments and helped customers assemble coordinated wardrobes. One established presentation format featured an eight-piece classic collection, a 14-piece fashion collection and accompanying accessories.
Weekenders operated as a party-plan multilevel direct-sales company. Representatives began as Fashion Coordinators and could advance to Team Leader and Sales Manager by meeting sales requirements and sponsoring additional representatives. Historical compensation information shows retail commissions ranging from approximately 20% to 40%, with additional commissions tied to the number and activity of sponsored sales representatives. A Washington Post profile reported that one representative reached the 40% commission level after generating more than $5,000 in sales within five weeks. The same representative had approximately 300 regular customers spending an average of $150 to $300 per order. The combination of personal retail commissions and additional compensation generated through sponsored representatives made Weekenders a multilevel marketing operation as well as a traditional home-party fashion company.
Weekenders' long operating history ended abruptly on June 9, 2008. A communication from Weekenders Canada President Lia Keeping informed managers and coordinators that Weekenders Global had declared bankruptcy and that its owners had ceased operations in all countries effective immediately. Reports from representatives at the time indicated that the closure occurred with little advance warning and left some consultants awaiting commissions and customers awaiting orders. The company had reportedly been experiencing financial difficulties for several years before the shutdown.
The company's subsequent corporate and trademark records confirm that the Weekenders business did not return. The Better Business Bureau currently lists Weekenders Canada as out of business, while the Canadian Weekenders trademark owned by Weekenders Canada Inc. was eventually expunged on September 13, 2018. The trademark registration listed the company's address as 29 East Wilmot Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1A3.
George Raynault, Co-Founder
Robert Bailey, Co-Founder
Rosemary Rudman, President, Weekenders USA
Lia Keeping, President, Weekenders Canada
Reps have reported Weekenders has closed their doors after filing for bankruptcy. An email was forwarded to the home party company's representatives:This email was reportedly sent to reps:From: liak@weekenders.comSent: Monday, June 09, 2008 1:18 PMSubject: [Bulk] Urgent message from Lia to pass on to your unit Dear Managers and Coordinators,It is with much sadness that I tell yo...
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