Small Business Saturday 2020: Perfumology in Philadelphia +#Shopsmall Draw

 

Shop small saturday for niche perfumes

Shop small collage by Michelyn

Over the past seven years, we have a tradition to promote small, independent perfume boutiques on Small Business Saturday. The idea for our series We Love This Store  began with our support for small business owners as did one of our most read articles on this site, Running a Niche Perfume Store (which featured  the owners of eight small fragrance boutiques). This year more than any other, when small business owners like Nir Guy Of Perfumology faced lockdowns during Covid-19, he had to board-up his store during social unrest and there was a flood in his newly opened shoppe. He persevered. Like many other small business owners around the world, Nir knows each customer by name and there is never any pressure. But Buy!!! Please Shop Small. – Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Nir Guy of Perfumology 25 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Nir smells Civet by Zoologist with a smile. Tracy Boikins, Instagram @snap4smiles

Perfumology has been previously featured on CaFleureBon, most recently having moved from their King of Prussia store to a more fitting boutique in Old City, Philadelphia. Nir Guy, owner, continues his passion for finding exclusive fragrances, particularly focused on small brands that are akin to his small business.

Le Jardin Jardin retrouve is a small business best seller citron boboli

Citron Boboli by Le Jardin Retrouvé  photo by Tracy Boikins, Instagram @snap4smiles

Navigating the current environment is a challenge, but we do it by leaning in on partnering with people like us.

Gallivant perfumes

Photo by Brian Warner

Our focus on small brands, has increased, which is more important than ever during the pandemic. A few of our favorites are 4610Tuesdays, Gallivant, Imaginary Authors, Le Jardin Retrouvé, Masque Milano, Marc-Antoine Barrois and Zoologist among many more.

La Fleur by Livvy all natural reviews

La Fleur by Livvy, Photo By Brian Warner

The most recent addition is one of the smallest, the natural perfume line La Fleur by Livvy. I love to champion good people who share a passion for fragrances like we do, and our amazing customers cherish their work. This is my way to make the world a little bit better.

photo courtesy of Mair from her CaFleureBon American Perfumer feature 

The passion goes beyond just fragrance, it’s a larger support system. When I call Mair Emenogu, one of the sincerest people represented at our perfumery who made Remember When, she picks up the phone. We stay in touch personally, and discuss strategies of how to make our small operations successful these days. Joseph Quartana calls because he’s genuinely interested in our wellbeing. They aren’t just brands on a shelf to us, they are real friends.

Jared Moore, a custom clothier in Philadelphia

Nir Guy holds the door to Perfumology for Jared Moore, a custom clothier in Philadelphia who brings his clients to the perfumery to complete their outfits, photo by Tracy Boikins, Instagram @snap4smiles

Events were a major focus at Perfumology pre pandemic, but no longer an option for us. An event was scheduled for almost every month of 2020. Now live shows on Instagram and our Facebook group, Perfumologists, have replaced hosting people in our brick and mortar store. Nick Steward of Gallivant was the first to visit our perfumery, and the first to host a live event with us on Instagram.

Michael Simpson from OK Fine Fragrances

photo by Brian Warner

Philly makes it easy for Michael Simpson from OK Fine Fragrances to drive his new fragrances CPO, PAO, and VRO. Masked, of course. Hopping in the car to drop off new perfumes with us makes me think about the post pandemic lineup of events. It will be pretty epic.

It’s important to carry fragrances that make us feel good. Supporting small businesses with our small family shop feels right, and I am grateful to do so during these difficult times. We are successful thanks to smart customers and partnering with small brands that think outside the box –Nir Guy, owner of Perfumology

Perfumes carried online at Perfumology here

Perfumology

25 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

11am to 7pm by appointment, info@perfumologyshop.com

Perfumology.com

Phone number215-931-1500

shop small online

Thanks to the generosity of Nir Guy of Perfumology we have a $50 E-Certificate (to be used online or a gift certificate (in store). we have a $50 Gift Card for a registered USA residing in the US. To be eligible please leave a comment on why you Shop Small and what you would use your GC to buy should you win (individual samples will not be considered). Draw closes 11/302020.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @perfumology

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

We announce the winners only on our 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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29 comments

  • Hrangue says:

    Not an entry, but I was there a week ago and despite everything that has happened, Nir’s selection is as strong as ever. Do pay him a visit (schedule ahead). There’s always something in the store that isn’t listed on the site and he’s always fielding new additions.

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Now is as important a time as any to support small businesses. In particular, I try to patronize black owned businesses. There are a lot of disadvantages these establishments have over bigger, more entrenched firms so individual awareness and intention are supremely important. Social media has helped some but times are tough. Really appreciate the highlight of this business. Nir seems like a gentleman who truly cares for his clientele which is key to customer loyalty. Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway. If I were to win, I would purchase Nuit de Megeve from Eight & Bob. Best from Virginia, USA!

  • Trinity33 says:

    I use to live in Society Hill, right next door! The reasons for supporting small businesses are aptly illustrated in the article. It’s personalized service. These owners know and talk with the perfumers creating the product. They work with other businesses, like the clothier to individualize the customer experience. You can’t get that from Sephora. I would love to pick up something from Gallivant. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Lillyhollowayblog says:

    Nir is just the nicest guy. Win win when shopping small. I prefer to shop this way anyway. Eris Ma Bete or something from 4160 Tuesdays.

  • LindsayK says:

    I’ve mostly worked for independent and small businesses, and try to support them wherever I can. It fosters a connection to your community that I think is important. I recently ordered a sample of Kajal Lamar from Perfumology after reading about it here, so I might put a gift certificate towards a bottle of that. It was really beautiful. Thank you for the draw from Oregon, USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I love Perfumology. Nir has great customer service and carries such a nice array of choices. I didn’t realize he endured a flood as well. I only buy niche fragrance since it is more interesting, so supporting small business is easy!! If I am the lucky winner I would use the gift certificate to buy something from 4160 Tuesdays which Nir carries a large selection of their line. Best wishes to Nir and all the other lovely small shops around the country for a blessed 2021. USA.

  • drjedi says:

    One big reason to shop small, not just in perfumery, is that it allows one to find creative, out of the box designs and products, which are not encouraged by heavily profit-driven, mainstreaming, volume-driven corporate culture. To find truly unique stuff, one has to look for, and encourage, small, crazy, out of the box thinking-feeling weirdos and geniuses.

    I checked the perfumology website, and they have a lot of brands which have been regularly featured here at Cafleurebon. If I were to win $50 gift card, I would look for an oud based fragrance from one of the featured brands on perfumology and use the gift card for that. I’d have no problem at all using the gift card 🙂

    Thanks for the generous draw. Writing from the USA.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I like to shop small because having a personal relationship with a store owner makes one feel connected. To have someone who is not anonymous to you makes it easier to offer both concerns and praise about the products purchased. I would use my e-certificate to buy a bottle of January Scent Project’s Vaporocindro. I had bought a sample of it some time back. Although I sampled it when it arrived, I never got to wear it because the vial accidentally leaked out the contents. So this would be my chance to enjoy wearing it! I am in North Carolina, in the US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I went to the store when it was at KOP mall, and Nir was such a welcoming and informative presence who I saw adjust customer to customer based on their needs or experience with scent. Sad to hear about the challenges he’s faced, but loved hearing about his resilience. If I won the card, I’d probably get something from Eris or one of the Perfumology scents–I loved Grange. Thanks for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    Nir Guy is one the most humble, generous, and engaged in the business. He participates in the media groups and treats customers like old friends. I have only shopped his store online, but hope to make it there in person someday. If I were to win, I would pick up a bottle of 4160 Tuesdays Creamy Vanilla Crumble. Best Wishes to you and your family, Nir, for a wonderful holiday season! CONUS

  • AleksCipri says:

    Oh I didn’t know about this store, but it sounds like a true perfume shop done right. Sounds like a great shop! I love small brands and I really love that they try to feature them as much as they can.These brands often have amazing artistic quality masterpieces, so I love shopping small. I am also always glad to give my money and help these people keep what they are doing and what they love instead of giving money to big names. Perfumology has great range and a lot of really god brands. I think that in case I get their gift certificate I would use it to buy Tauer Perfumes L’Air Du Desert Marocain. I wanted to get it for so long. Although it was a tough choice. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • C K says:

    I like to shop small because many times it enables you to find brands you wouldn’t otherwise. Also you meet people with similar interests and get to build relationships as well as get help from extremely knowledgeable and passionate people. I’m not positive what I’d use the gift card for if I won, i may first have to buy a few samples before choosing and using the gift card. Interested in Masque Milano L’Atessa and Tango as well as a few from 4160 Tuesdays such as Both Sides of the Clouds, but haven’t tried any of these yet. Also love Gallivant, I own Los Angeles and Bukhara. And Istanbul as well as Brooklyn are 2 I have tried and would like to purchase at some point. Thanks for the generous draw and wonderful spotlight of Perfumology. From CT USA.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I like the idea of supporting small businesses as opposed to huge corporation like operations. During this time especially small businesses have suffered badly. If I won, I have no idea what I would get. Lately I’ve been just shopping my own collection Thanks for this article and thanks to Nir Guy of Perfumology for this most generous draw. I’m in the USA.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    Shopping small is good because its personalized, and you’re more likely to get that special, friendly connection with the staff. Its just like going to your favorite barber, or Mom-and-Pop grocery store on the corner.. Plus, small businesses are excellent for the economy, helping stimulate economic growth by providing employment opportunities to people who may not be employable by larger corporations.

    I would use my GC to purchase London by Gallivant.

    I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • Claudia M. says:

    I don’t live in the US so am not eligible for the draw but I would like to leave a comment because I shop small as much as possible! I buy fruits & veggies at the street market, as well as poultry, meat and fish. I prefer to buy clothes in local shops and boutiques because you are treated as a person, because you can see the passion and dedication of the owners because you can find unique pieces, I hate going places and seeing the shopping streets layered with Zara, H&M, Primark, Mango… Sooooo boring and such low quality… Takes the beauty of traveling away…..
    Claudia from Milan, Italy

  • David Zev says:

    I love discovering new online and in person shops that are independent and small (in the best way possible) and show they really care about the customer. They need steady business the most. I would love to use the GC towards a Zoologist or House of Matriarch perfume!

    -David

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great writeup. It’s always great to see people who run brick and mortar stores that curate perfumes and are passionate about spreading the love.

    I would probably pick u p something from Eight & Bob or Imaginary Authors.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Dami says:

    I have shopped and will continue to shop small because I really want to support artisanal perfumery and see it bloom during these difficult times. If I win the $50 gift card I would use it toward blindly buying Gallivant Bukhara. I am in the DFW area.

  • Brian says:

    I sometimes prefer stores like this (i.e. what would be considered “small” businesses) because they might have certain things available, e.g. at the store, that other stores wouldn’t have. If I win the gift card then I might put it towards a Marc-Antoine Barrois No.6 Luxury candle. I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • chrisskins says:

    I shop small because I have a small business (electronics) and know how important every customer and every order is. Small business owners stand behind their products like it’s no one’s business. I’d put the gift card towards Escentric Molecules.

  • Amanda32828 says:

    I don’t shop small very often but when I do is for a one of the kind item, mostly something very unique, vintage or made to my exact specifications. If I were to win I would purchase something from Gallivant or from the Zoologist. Commenting from Orlando, Fl. Thank you for another great review.

  • gem says:

    I love shopping small because it’s so much more personal, a reflection of the owner’s heart and soul, not to mention it’s good for the local economy. Philly is on top of my list of places to travel to when it’s safe to do so again — I can’t wait to check out Nir’s shop! If I won the giveaway I would probably buy Eris Night Flower. Commenting from WI, USA. Thanks!

  • CuteGuy says:

    I think it’s good to support small businesses. It makes certain neighborhoods, downtown streets, strips unique having small businesses and family owned shops. I’d like to visit Perfumology one day. When I visit the East Coast. It’ll be difficult to decide which fragrance to go with. Thanks for the Draw. Ca

  • Eirik H. says:

    One of the reasons I shop small is because so many of the lesser-known perfumers create fragrances that are more in the spirit of the art of perfumery. Another reason is that buying from them increases exposure to their creative work. I have heard nothing but praise for Nir Guy and his outstanding service and warm regard for everyone he deals with. It’s such a hard choice as to what I would use my GC for. Maybe a bottle of Marc-Antoine Barrois’ Ganymede or Masque Milano Russian Tea. Thanks so much for the chance! Oregon, US.

  • Juan_hernan says:

    I shop small because I find that my buying things from small shops make a much greater impact than if I were to buy from a large corporate owned chain. Especially now during these trying times where small businesses are struggling, it is even more important for me to shop small. If I were to win the giftcard, I would definitely put it towards Istanbul by Gallivant since that is a house I have always wanted to try.

  • seanchen says:

    I really like shopping at smaller shops because it is a much more personalized and intimate experience, the people who work there treat you much more like a person. With a small family owned store, it is much easier to become familiar with those who run the shop and the relationship that develops is much closer knit. I would love to buy Tokyo by Gallivant with the gift card if I win. Florida, US.

  • jundaasian says:

    Shopping small is something that I like to do right now because they are the ones that are hit hardest by the pandemic and the owners are regular people, not wealthy CEO’s so my shopping at their stores really matter. I think that by knowing that I am making a difference, I am more willing to go out of my way to shop at smaller stores.
    I would really love to try something by Tauer if I were able to win the gift card.

  • vickalicious says:

    Thank you for showcasing another small business! I’ve been making more of an effort this year to shop small, and will add Perfumology to my list. I value the excellent customer service that most small businesses provide. I also think by purchasing from a small business you are helping someone fulfill their dream of entrepreneurship. If I were to win the gift card I think I would use it towards some discovery sets to help me find a fragrance that I love. Thank you for the post and the giveaway. Located in Texas.

  • smm13 says:

    The personal experience of shopping small has really been the best part. Having an owner know your name and feeling like you are a part of their success is a special feeling. I would buy 4160Tuesdays Red Queen because I’m very curious and it’s not easy to find in the USA where I live.