Celebrating Osswald NYC (We Loved This Store) + Shop Online Draw

 

Osswald NYC closed its doors Late July 2020

Osswald NYC at night

PREFACE:  Osswald NYC was one of New York City’s premier destinations for niche fragrance shopping. It certainly was one of mine.  At the end of February 2020, I visited the store for our CaFleureBon WE LOVE THIS STORE  virtual tour. Within a couple of weeks, COVID 19 had shut down the city so we held up the feature for when the store would re-open. Unfortunately, by the time stores were allowed to re-open (with restrictions) Osswald NYC made the painful decision to close its physical store after eight years in July. You will notice no masks being worn. But I am not here to mourn its closing but to celebrate eight wonderful years it provided fragrance lovers, and through its online store and online events… still does –Hernando Courtright, Sr Contributor and NYC Brand Ambassador

 

Osswald NYC Fragrance Island

Osswald NYC Fragrance Island 

Osswald NYC launched on August 27, 2012, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, (our EIC Michelyn was in attendance) and quickly became a must-visit destination catering to all fragrance aficionados with Swiss hospitality. The stylish modern interior sets a welcoming tone for discovering the wonderful world of scent. Upon entering and taking the four steps up you sense the store’s fluid design which includes a “Fragrance Island” that showcases current releases as well as acting as a scented stage for their in-store events.

 

HERNANDO COURTRIGHT of Cafleurebon and JOSIE PLUMEY

Hernando Courtright and Josie Plumey

I met up with Osswald’s Store Manager, Fragrance Director, Buyer, and fragrance friend Josie Plumey who had just celebrated her six-year anniversary at Osswald NYC. Josie and I go back from when she was with Kilian. Besides the fabulously curated fragrance selections, Josie is the reason I and many others love Osswald NYC.

Maison Francis Kurkdijian best perfumes

Osswald NYC Maison Francis Kurkdijian Paris display 

After reminiscing we got down to business. I had questions, she had answers. How does the composition of the NYC branch compare to the Zurich store? “The store sales break down to be approximately 80% fragrance and 20% skincare but the opposite in the Zurich Flagship. I did not expect that. Who knew! Why is the store is closed on Sundays? “It’s very Swiss.” So what is the busiest day? “That would be Mondays.” Male/ female? “The customer base skews more male than female.” How often does the wall display change? “Every so often to keep it fresh but some brands have permanent built-ins that do not change such as Maison Francis  Kurkdijian Paris, Perfume de Marly Paris, and Montale.”

 

Gaia Fishler of the Non Blonde

Gaia Fishler (RIP: Gaia wrote the acclaimed blog The Non-Blonde and would have turned 50, November 13, 2020) Josie Plumey and Michelyn Camen– November 10, 2017 at the debut of  Atelier des Ors Musc Immortel (photo: Robert B.)

Osswald NYC stocks 372 fragrance items with high profile houses available such as: Amouage, Maison Francis Kurkdijian, Xerjoff, Initio, Indult Parfums, Roja Parfums, Parfums de Marly, Atelier des Ors, Profumum Roma, and Ormonde Jayne to name a few. So, now it’s time to sniff or as Josie likes to say, spray and play. I asked Josie to run through how she works with new clients and fragrance newbies. She started by asking what I have worn before and what I like. I gave her a few descriptors for this role and she brought out some choices. Josie chose three samples for me to take home, Aoud Lemon Mint by Mancera Paris, Oud Marrakech by Blend Oud, and Miel Sauvage by Amouroud Fragrances. She was spot on!

 

Osswald NYC JOSIE PLUMEY and OLYA BAR

Osswald NYC Olya Bar and Josey Plumey with fragrance selections 

I asked how much time will a newbie versus a more knowledgeable customer spend in the store. Usually, half an hour compared to anywhere from 5 minutes to five hours! One of the challenges trying to guide customers through this experience is listening and paying attention to what they say. And it’s ok if they don’t leave with a purchase. No pressure.

 

Osswald Parfumerie NYC IL-PROFVMO PARFUMS VENETIAN MASQUERADE EVENT Dustin Lujan, Tanja Dreiding Wallace, and Victor de Souza March 31st, 2016

Osswald NYC:  IL PROFVMO PARFUMS VENETIAN MASQUERADE EVENT Dustin Lujan, Tanja Dreiding Wallace, owner, and Victor de Souza March 31st, 2016

Over the past eight years, Osswald NYC held fabulous soirees that feted perfumers and brands with great fanfare. I reflected back on the events we attended and the perfume friends we met.. Live music was an important component. From a string quartet, a jazz ensemble, and an opera singer. Osswald NYC  opened their doors on two Sundays for Sniffapalooza’s Fall Ball in 2013 with owner and Creative Director of Xerjoff, Sergio Momo premiering the Casomarati 1888 line and the Fall Ball in 2014 with Carlos Huber of Arquiste premiering The Architects Club. In closing, I had the pleasure of experiencing Osswald NYC’s Swiss hospitality, over their eight years. Thank you for the memories!

Tanja Dreidling Wallace and Josie: March 31st, 2016

Parfümerie Osswald A Dreiding Family Tradition Since 1921:Parfumerie Osswald was established in 1921 in Zurich, Switzerland by Boris Dreiding. His son Jago took over the business and managed it until his passing in 1992. His wife, Tamara Dreiding continued to operate the business in the same tradition as her husband and father-in-law. Tanja Dreiding Wallace joined Osswald in 2005. She oversees all aspects of the business. Next year Osswald will celebrate their 100th Anniversary!

All photos Hernando for CaFleureBon unless otherwise specified.

Perfumes sold at Osswald NYC

Osswald Parfumerie & Luxury Skincare Boutique NY brick and mortar is now closed.

OSSWALD NYC, INC.

Business office: 178 Walworth St. Ste. 404, Brooklyn, NY 11205
TEL. 212 625 3111 –  11:00 am to 6:00 pm ET.

WEBSTORE: https://osswaldnyc.com/

E-MAIL: info@osswaldnyc.com

Osswald Logo

Thanks to the generosity of Osswald we have a $50 Gift Card for a registered USA residing in the US. To be eligible please leave a comment on what you enjoyed about Hernando’s visit to Osswald and what you would use your GC to buy should you win. Draw closes 11/12/2020.

Note: Osswald reopened May of 2023 242 Mulberry Street NYC 10012 

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @hernandocourtright

We announce the winners only on-site and on our Facebook page, so Like ÇaFleureBon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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48 comments

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    Sad to hear that Covid-19 was related to the closing of a fragrance shop in NYC. It was nice to see that Josie was informed enough about fragrances to help Hernando discover 3 new fragrances while visiting the store. Thanks for the generous gift card giveaway. I love to sample, and would love to check out some new scents by houses like Parfums de Marley and Phaedon, but many other houses to read about and consider as well if I am lucky enough to win. Good luck to all. I live in Maryland.

  • AleksCipri says:

    It is so sad that we can’t go to fragrance stores, and that this will continuo for who knows how long. It was very interesting learning more about Osswald and seeing all the photos. I knew about the store but I haven’t been in it before. I didn’t know it was established originally in Zurich! I think in case I would get the gift car I would probably buy something from Nicolai or from BDK. Perhaps Cuir Cuba from Nicolai…I wanted to try that one for a while! I’m from Illinois, US.

  • INYA says:

    Thanks for the tour, the pictures are fantastic and it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves. If lucky, I’d choose something from Profumum Roma or Ormonde Jayne. Thanks for the opportunity! Mich USA

  • Daniel Fisher says:

    I love the way she picked scents for you. Sounds adept. If it were me I’d put the price toward a Profumum Roma

  • Trinity33 says:

    What a wonderful place to get lost in for a few hours! It’s a shame it was affected by Covid closures like so many other stores. Here’s hoping the new year brings better things! Love the pictures, particularly the costume ones. I might choose something from Roja Parfums. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • amelia says:

    This is a bummer to hear, I didn’t know about Osswald until earlier this year, and now it’s too late :(. Awesome selection. If I got the gift card, I’d probably get a favorite from Profumum Roma- either Arso or Acqua Viva.

  • David Ecker says:

    I loved Osswald and they had a wonderful selection. I purchased Arquiste and Amouage there and Josie is fantastic. I will miss that store!

  • Lauren says:

    This store sounds amazing. I wish I could have had an opportunity to visit. It seems it was more about the overall customer experience than just making a sale. I am definitely going to check out their website now. If I win this giveaway I would use it on a fragrance of course. Thanks Lauren. SC, USA

  • Michael Lynady says:

    Such a great store. Reading this brought back so many great memories.
    I would purchase Memo Ocean Leather.
    Pennsylvania USA

  • cwoody says:

    I loved hearing the history of Osswald. I would use my winnings to purchase a mess of samples of fragrances I’ve been wanting to try. USA

  • gianluca says:

    It’s always sad when a loved physical shop closes, especially in this case this is one of those shops that actually provide as a social location. These are never replaceable by any online services. If I won, I would use it for Wolfsbane by Quartana, or one of them in the series. (US)

  • chrisskins says:

    So sad to see another NYC brick and mortar perfume destination say goodbye. I wish I had been able to visit them. Info-wise, I enjoyed reading about the differences between the Swiss Osswald and the NYC Osswald customer and what they are buying. I’d apply my gift card to a Roja Dove body creme. I live in NY.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I enjoyed the tour. Some of us are not fortunate enough to be where there are brick and mortar fragrance stores, so this was nice. If I won, I’m thinking something from MFK or perhaps something else. I’m not sure. Thank you Hernando for giving us a vicarious pleasure. thanks to Osswald for a lovely draw. I’m in the USA

  • Jake Dauod says:

    I really enjoyed the fragrance island that was on display. It fits the aesthetic of the store and it is appealing to the eye. Should I win, I would use the GC to buy Pegasus from Parfums de Marly, or Alexandria II by xerjoff, or BR540 by MFK (I’m quite indecisive). Kind regards from Illinois, USA.

  • jundaasian says:

    I really enjoyed hearing about the hospitality of the store from reading about Hernando’s visit to Osswald. I am really sad to hear that such a lovely perfume store had to shut down due to the pandemic. If I were to win the gift card, I would likely put it towards Memo because I have never tried a Memo fragrance before and they have always been described as lovely so I would really love to try some. Besides, the bottles look gorgeous!

  • seanchen says:

    I really enjoyed hearing about how nice the owners of the store were before they had to close. It is such a shame that the pandemic forced such a thing to happen because having such cordial owners like Josie, someone who is always willing to listen and help, is what really sets the experience apart. I really love the fragrances from Maison Francis Kurkdjian so I would likely put the gift cards towards that if I won it.

  • C K says:

    I enjoyed learning that Osswald had such a long history and is still a family run business, I wasn’t aware of that. I also enjoyed the pictures and mention of specific events that were held there, it sounds fantastic and is a shame they closed the doors but of course completely understandable and a huge plus that they are still open online. I live in CT USA and very much appreciate the generous draw. I’m not sure what I’d buy but having been on their website I know i would definitely check the solid gold sales! Thanks a lot.

  • Karen Dubin says:

    Fantastic article about a fantastic store! Hernando always does a wonderfully comprehensive job, love his observatiomal style. Thanks so much for the memories, we had a slew of great Sniffapalooza events at Osswald! Xoxo

  • Princess Anna says:

    A visit to any perfumery, for me, is like a visit to paradise. I like the way bottles glitter in the like jewelries and gems, I like to touch the bottles and smell the fragrances in any form, in the bottle, on tester paper or on my skin. I always felt like Alice in wonderland in a perfumery. Unfortunately, this past few months, this experience was taken away from us. Now, every visit at a perfumery is short, with less and less fragrances to admire an smell. I do hope that soon we will be able to enjoy the experience again, and I do hope that one day Osswald NYC will open it’s doors again for customers. CA, USA

  • Steve A. says:

    I don’t want to jinx it by saying what I’d buy in advance. I always enjoy the photos in these type of articles and lament I live no where near a store like this. US

  • Michele Miller says:

    Osswald also holds a special place for me. I especially enjoyed the photographs from the visit since, due to distance, I was never able to visit in person. Like many readers, Josie is also what makes Osswald special to me. Consistently, Josie has been able to recommend fragrances that I end up falling in love with. I would have a difficult time deciding what fragrance to use a gift card on if I won. There are a couple of fragrances from MDCI that Josie suggested for me and I would select one of those. I am so happy Osswald lives on online; their service and selection is at the top of fragrance boutiques.

  • xoe says:

    What a lovely experience. The manager, Josie, sounds like a great person. I’m sorry this location will close before I have a chance to experience it. If I won, I think I’d use the GC to buy Escentric 04.

  • Dosva says:

    Congratulations!! I love this beautiful shop and did purchasing and very satisfied.
    Very funny photos.
    So good choices.
    I would like to buy from Roja Dove.
    US

  • Gabriel Garcia Leyva says:

    Great swiss hospitality that’s what they were about,!
    Hard to find nowadays, times are changing and osswalds will go on as well.
    I will as for advices on skin care.
    Thanks
    Las Vegas NV

  • doveskylark says:

    I am sad the NYC store has closed. I visited the store 5 years ago and I really appreciated the personal assistance form Josie. I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the events held at the store.
    If I were the winner, I might buy something from Ormonde Jayne.
    I live in the USA.

  • Brian says:

    I enjoyed learning about what OsswaldNYC is like; I’ve never heard about it before having read Hernando’s review. If I win the contest then I’d probably use the gift certificate to buy about six samples of different things that I might buy a bottle of. I live in MD.,U.S.A.

  • Patricia Wood says:

    I am so sad to hear that Osswald closed the New York store due to Covid. I have visited twice and enjoyed myself both times. Josie is a marvel. Her sense of what fragrance can suit a client is unerring. If I win the gift card, I would without question order Amouage Jubilation 25. I live in WV, USA.

  • statikstepz says:

    Hello, I live in Florida in the USA.. what I loved about the review was learning about all the different events that Osswald would have inside the store… from live music being included and the pictures of such… looks like it would have been a lot of fun! Also seeing how much variety they kept in stock as well as the permanent displays that they featured. I also enjoyed learning of the history of the store, with the son taking over and it being around for over 100 years starting in Switzerland! What I would use the $50 gift certificate towards if I won, would be a bottle of Rehab by Initio! I am in love with the scent and have yet to be able to purchase my own bottle and this would really help! Thanks a lot for another great review!!

  • drjedi says:

    Was sad to hear about the closing of Osswald, like so many businesses all over the world. Enjoyed Hernando’s photos and the interview snippets with Josie. Good that the store is alive and well online, though face to face experience with perfumers and perfumes is different. Hopefully things will recover and Osswald can come back as a physical store, not just in NYC but in other cities as well.

    As to what I would like to try with the Gift Card, if I win it – Roja Parfums, Maison Francis Kurkdijian Paris, Perfume de Marly Paris, or Amouroud, and maybe others 🙂 Liked Josie’s oud selections for Hernando, so Amouroud would probably be a big contender. I am struggling with this choice, but wait, I haven’t even won anything yet 🙂

    Thanks for the post and the draw. Writing from the USA.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I enjoyed the fantasy that the article created about what it would be like to have visited the shop, or have attended one of their “fabulas soirees.” Hernando did a great job of creating the sense that I would be cared for and appreciated. I checked the Osswald web site and I would probably choose the Navitus discovery set as a way to not put all my eggs in one basket, so to speak. In the US, in NC.

  • Dami says:

    My friend and I were planning to visit this store last May but, of course, our trip was canceled. I am sorry about the front store closing, but happy we’ll still be able to purchase fragrances online. I enjoyed reading about the history of the store and its first establishment in Zurich. I live in the Dallas area.

  • wallygator88 says:

    It’s always fascinating to hear about the operation of a brick and mortar fragrance store in the era of the internet. My only memories of shopping for fragrance at a store for perfumes is while checking out the duty free sections at international airports.

    I enjoyed reading about Hernando’s visit to the store and was surprised to see that the customer base skews more male.

    I would be itnerested in picking up wither some PdM, Initio, MOntale or Kilian (if they have it)

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I appreciated the nice, casual stroll Hernando took us on, down his memory lane, as well as the brief overview of the store’s decor and operations.

    With the GC, I would get 2 samples of:

    Stephane Humbert Lucas Khol de Bahrain
    Stephane Humbert Lucas Rose de Petra
    Mancera Amber Fever
    Mancera Red Tobacco

    I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • yaayyya says:

    It was shocking to learn that Osswald has permanently closed as well, it was my favorite store in NYC. I’m glad they’ve kept their online store though, I like their big samples that don’t evaporate with time! 5 hours in the store sounds crazy, but I think I once spent something close to that there myself!
    If I win, I will get something from Thameen or Pierre Guillaume, I have a lot in my wish list!

  • Yumsy Lee says:

    So sad they decided to close. The store was huge and looked amazing! My kind of heaven. Would have loved to visit them when everything is back to normal. Josie was helpful when I had product inquiry 2 weeks ago. Very engaging in instagram stories too. Didn’t know it is Swiss owned. Happy 100th Anniversary next year. If I win, I would probably get Nicolai or Micallef fragrance. IL, USA

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I loved hearing about the parties thrown at Osswald! I was so sad to hear that the brick and mortar store closed, as it probably was my favorite downtown niche haven in the city. The generosity and good will of sales associates there did not go unnoticed, and I always felt supported and taken care of in my visits there. If I were to win the card, I’d probably get something Atelier des Ors or Amouroud. Thanks for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • Mary says:

    It was fun to read about the history of Oswald and see the fun events they hosted in NYC. Smells great from here.

  • Kyuu says:

    I love Josie she is so sweet and helpful!! Willing to answer all my stupid questions! A must visit store and I love to support them! I would use the gift card on a Thameen fragrance! Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone 🙂
    Kyle, USA

  • Naomi Sawyer says:

    Wow, I love that this is business passed down through generations, and am so sorry they had to close their brick and mortar store. The costumes parties must have been magnificent! I am so impressed with the breadth of fragrances offered on their website, and as a budding fan of Ormonde Jayne, I would put my GC towards a special gift for my mom from their collection.

  • Bart Schmidt says:

    always a great time (and people) – used to love visiting with the Sniffa crew and I even donated some miniatures for their beautiful back-drop mini perfume wall…wish them well online!

  • audesko1 says:

    So sad to see a store closing. Maybe after all of this they will open in a different location. I loved all the fun everyone is having in the photos. Hernando captured so much of the happiness that the store had. I would love to win to support their online store, maybe a fragrance from Atelier de Ors. California.

  • vickalicious says:

    Thank you so much for this post! I absolutely LOVE Osswald NYC!! Sadly, I only learned of Osswald this past Summer through one of their virtual Masterclasses (which are absolutely fantastic!), and I never had the opportunity to visit the store in person, which makes me quite sad actually. To say that is has been a pleasure to connect with Josie and Olya would be an understatement. Osswald has outstanding customer service, and they are my first choice when it comes to purchasing fragrances. I appreciated reading this article, and learning about the store that I never had the chance to visit in person. Thanks for also sharing the photos! I’m glad that Osswald NYC still moves forward in the online and virtual realm! I hope that someday their brick and mortar would re-open, and I would be able to visit. Located in the US. If I were to win the gift card I think I would purchase Memoir Woman by Amouage. I received a sample of that from Osswald, and I love it!

  • Hrangue says:

    Wow, I’ve been so out of the loop of the fragrance scene. I only got to visit one time. I didn’t get to meet Josie, but I met Jose and Daisy who helped me salvage my train wreck of a day in NYC. Although I was just sniffing around, the service was among the best. Hernando coveys that well. It was very much a no pressure situation. I cancelled my followup visit just before the outbreak. So much for that.

    Based on what I tried there and what I’d buy, it would be a toss up between Profumum Roma’s Sorriso, Thameen Nassak, or Widian II.

    Posting from PA, US

  • Micah says:

    Loved seeing what fragrances they recommended, seems like they hit the nail on the head! I’d probably put my gift certificate towards a Nicolai perfume.

  • zacharyari23 says:

    Ahh, this pandemic is so frustrating. Many businesses are reeling from its effects, and I am saddened to hear of Osswald’s store in NYC closing. Hopefully they’ll be able to come back soon, as with the rest of our world. If I had a chance to spend a $50 gift card at Osswald, I would take the opportunity to try some Amouage samples or perhaps put it toward the purchase of a Xerjoff Bottle.
    Zachary in Colorado

  • smm13 says:

    I bittersweet glimpse into what might have been if not for the pandemic. I was hoping to visit on a NYC trip that was cancelled in May. I haven’t decided what I would use the GC for yet. Too many choices! I live in the USA.

  • helenlam says:

    It sounds like it would have been a wonderful place to go visit. I’d love to use the gift card to sample some perfumes with Osmanthus notes, such as Ormande Jayne, but they have so much to try! The events sounded like so much fun. I live in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • KateD says:

    I live in an area of California without a lot of retail options and I always make a point to visit shops like this when I travel. Of course, travel is on hold now. I’m sad to see another great place becoming a casualty of 2020. I wish them all the best and hope that when things get better they might be able to reconsider and reopen. The kind of service Ms. Plumey provides and the welcoming atmosphere described seem to be rare these days and I hope they’ll make a comeback when this pandemic is resolved. Thank you!