In recent years, we have undertaken to build on our core party plan business through our integrated direct access channels, which encompass mall showcases, Internet sales, and television shopping. All of these channels are being implemented in a manner that aligns them with the sales force's interests so that they generate sales and build the core, party plan business. In this way we reach more end consumers and serve them in a manner that they want to be served. We had more than 400 U.S. showcases in place in the 2000 holiday season. The program is run by our independent distributors and sales forces.
Showcases are also in place in multiple markets in all of the our international geographic regions.
We currently sell to U.S. consumers through individual sales force web sites and through our company web site. The sales force earns a commission on Internet sales equal to the net earnings that they generate through their party plan sales. A next step will be to sell through the Internet to consumers outside of the United States as well. In 2000, we acquired BeautiControl Inc., a party plan direct seller of premium beauty and skin care products, primarily in North America. We plan to grow the existing business, and also enter in 2001, the large Latin American direct selling market for these products.