Independent Fragrance Boutiques better together

 When I discovered that four small independent fragrance boutiques are collaborating and supporting each other, especially as retail is considered such a competitive industry, I thought it is a wonderful way to show unity in the fragcomm, to promote niche and artisan perfumery, and  #shopsmall for last minute purchases. Each are brick and mortar shops that offer personalized scent experiences as well as excellent online service. I asked Nir Guy of Perfumology to share how they work together, yet maintain their own identities.-Michelyn Camen, Editor-In Chief

Nir with François Duquesne

After Esxence earlier this year, a small group of perfume industry insiders made the trip to Grasse on an adventure organized by François Duquesne of Maison Duquesne. All representing independent boutiques from different cities, four of us drove together from Milan to Grasse: myself, Nir Guy of Perfumology in Philadelphia, along with Tracy Tsefalas of Fumerie Parfumerie in Portland, Viktoriya Martynova of La Parfumerie in Raleigh, and Gigi Minksy of ZGO in San Francisco. Each of our shops offers a unique experience, curating rare perfumes tailored to our distinct clientele. While our selections occasionally overlap, the diversity in our perspectives ensures a vibrant variety across all our independent fragrance boutiques.

Nir Guy of Perfumology, Tracy of Fumerie Parfumerie, Viktoriya of La Parfumerie in Raleigh and Gigi Minksy of ZGO Perfumery

Thanks to the long drive between cities, the four of us retailers fostered a true sense of camaraderie. We shared stories about how we each cultivate our communities, curate our selections, navigate challenges, and find inspiration through our personal lives to pursue success. As independent perfumeries in the U.S., we connected over our shared passion for fragrance and the unique privilege of working every day in a world steeped in scent.

Courtyard at Fragonard in Grasse

Our trip to Grasse unfolded into an experience none of us could have anticipated. François, with his deep expertise in developing and managing perfume brands, welcomed us to his hometown to explore the inner workings of Parfum Cosmetic World (PCW) and Robertet. Those handful of extraordinary days in the enchanting city, surrounded by innovators and artisans, not only deepened my love for perfume but also reinforced my admiration for the people who shape this incredible industry.

Throughout the week, a quote from JFK echoed in my mind: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Our shops collectively support dozens of independent brands, each crafted with hundreds of materials sourced from suppliers around the globe. Similarly, the larger companies we visited employed countless people and collaborated with artisans worldwide. That quote sparked a reflection: What are we doing to grow together and bring our communities along with us? It was clear that this shared sense of purpose resonated among all of us, even after we returned home from the trip.

As small independent fragrance boutiques, we often support one another in meaningful ways. Whenever one of us carries a brand that another does not, we eagerly share each other’s information with our customers. It’s a small world, after all, with a niche audience of devoted fragrance lovers. Recently, we came together for a collaborative campaign to promote each other’s businesses. Our customers were thrilled that we support one another in this way. Initiatives like these remind me of the strength in our collective spirit and the shared passion that drives us to uplift one another.

Nir Guy, Owner of Perfumology

 Photo by Emily Theresa @extrait.inspired of Perfumology Boutique EDP taken at the Shoppe

“Long days working at our perfumery creates a unique atmosphere that changes over time depending on our customers’ tastes. Boutique is inspired by that shifting aura, fruity floral with a woody white musk base, this is what it’s like spending a lot of time at Perfumology. If you know, you know.”-copy from the brand

Notes: red apple, ambrettolide, grapefruit, amber, white flowers, jasmine, dry woods, vanilla, magnolia, musk, cedarwood, orris.

Thanks to the generosity of Nir Guy of Perfumology we have a draw for 60 ml flacon of Boutique by Perfumology for one registered reader in the USA ONLY(one of the top two of shop’s best-sellers.) To be eligible, you must be a registered reader and tell us what sparked your interest about four independent fragrance boutique retailers working together. Draw closes 12/23/2024

Please see Steven’s video on Perfumology WE LOVE THIS STORE

Ida’s review of Perfumology Boutique

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