Tupperware seals sales on the Net

Tupperware announced that it is launching a new Web site featuring an interactive store front that will allow U.S. consumers to purchase a limited selection of Tupperware products online for the first time.

The site also offers sections dedicated to party planning, sales force recruitment, and U.S. distributor locations that give consumers a new level of access to Tupperware's offerings, the company said.

Tupperware's traditional party approach to selling products, which aren't sold in retail stores, has become less effective in the United States over the past few decades as more women have pursued careers. The new Web site puts the company in competition with its 20,000 active sales representatives who host Tupperware parties for friends and neighbors, according to reports.

The Internet, a mall kiosk program, and the new venture with the Home Shopping Network are part of Tupperware's integrated direct access strategy to attract more customers and direct new leads to its sales force.

There are a number of customization features built into the site, including the ability to create a personal recipe database, recipe exchange through email, family fun tips, home economic advice, and the ability to create customized party invitations online, the company said.

The online service will initially be limited to U.S.customers.

Tupperware said in January it also planned to offer its broad line of Plastic food storage products in more than 50 kiosks in U.S. shopping malls by the end of the year.