Cosmetics company Avon to cease operations in 16 Caribbean nations, keep selling on 8 islands

Avon Products Inc. says it is ceasing operations in 16 Caribbean nations.

A spokeswoman for the world's biggest direct seller of cosmetics tells The Associated Press that the company will no longer accept orders from places including Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas. Spokeswoman Lindsay Fox said Friday that the company will still serve eight islands including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

She declined to say how many sales representatives would be affected.

Fox says Avon will focus its resources on improving its U.S. business.