WE LOVE THIS STORE: Perfumology in King of Prussia + Fragrance Culture in Philadelphia

The finished exterior of Perfumology in King Of Prussia mall: image of Robert F Kennedy for the RFK Special Edition Eight & Bob

Philadelphia is known for many things such as the birth place of America, the Liberty Bell, Cheesesteaks (the real thing only available in Philly), and its own unique culture. One thing Philadelphia has never been known for however is having a high fashion district lined with numerous boutiques. The local culture centers on the underdog attitude. An attitude that keeps the city and its people thriving in the face of adversity. Humbly accepting losses, getting back up stronger and rising to the occasion of the next challenge, surprising those who don’t have faith in the city or her people. The underdog is the attitude that Perfumology in King of Prussia evokes.  Among high-end department stores and designer clothing shops at the King of Prussia Mall lives Perfumology. It is not just another store, but an oasis. An oasis among the endless stores who all sell the same perfumes with overlapping scents. Perfumology is an oasis for those who search for something different, and to those who unknowingly begin their new fragrance journey that delves into the world of niche and artistic perfumes. Most importantly, it is a small, local family owned and operated business among giant brands.

 Perfumology in King of Prussia  

I first heard about Perfumology in King of Prussia a few years back on social media and was excited that it was located near to my house.  At the time the shop was just a kiosk and I wasn’t sure what I would expect from that type of store.  My excitement built up quickly when I saw that the kiosk held so many perfume brands I had never had the chance to get my nose on anywhere else. I was also pleasantly surprised by the staff member, Brian, who was there to help me.  He was not there to push me to buy any specific fragrance but to be there to “show me around” and introduce me to the smaller brands, like Imaginary Authors and Zoologist Perfumes.  I left that day with my  wallet empty after buying two fragrances (Flashback and Still Life in Rio from Olfactive Studio).

A few months after my first visit, Perfumology moved into an actual store within the mall when I met the owner, Nir Guy. My breath was taken away from the first steps in the new store.  Long wooden shelves on both sides of the walls, two tables in the center of the room, a few lit up glass shelves, displaying many different fragrances from houses that I had only read about.  The set-up of the store felt real, as if it was carefully designed by hand and thoughtfully put together.  This did not feel like a new store or one that had newly moved into a new space, but a store that had been established for many years. The most amazing aspect of all was how accessible it was to test all these fragrances. 


Nir Guy, owner of Perfumology in King of Prussia

Perfumology was the brain child of Nir and his mom, Tali, originating from her love of perfume. Her passion pushed the decision to open a perfumery, which slowly to the boutique in its current form.  Anyone one who walks into this store is not just a potential customer, but is treated as a friend and part of the Perfumology family.  “Our store is the only place in their area where you have the chance to wear and eventually buy fragrances from Independent Brands. You either have to settle for mass market fragrances or go to New York City for anything else.”

Nir Guy with his wife Lyssa who inspired Blyss

Another amazing aspect to this store is that they sell their own creations. Nir joined up with a local perfumer, Justin Frederico, and they both have been able to develop and release two amazing fragrances. The first fragrances released called Blyss, a perfume created as a love letter to Nir’s wife. The second fragrance is called Grange, inspired by Nir’s childhood playing at the historic Grange Estate in Havertown, Pennsyvania.  Both of these fragrances are what perfume is all about. They capture a story and transport you to that time and place where it occurs. “I want people to enjoy fragrances that are not only rare, but have a soul. They have a story to tell.” Nir also goes on to continue to say: “I want to shrink the size of the perfume world so that our customers can interact with brand directors and perfumers. This benefits our customers dramatically, and they feel more connected to the people who produce the fragrances they wear.”

Nick Steward.of Gallivant, Jonathan Bittner, Chris Giorgio aka Mr. Sillage ( RIP), Mike Lubinsky. Rob Moores at in King of Prussia earlier this summer

Perfumology in King of Prussia has been the center of many events in the local fragrance community recently. The first one that I was able to attend was a meet up between a few fragrance collectors and reviewers.  I found this to be an amazing networking opportunity and to also be able to talk with others who share the same passion as I do. The second event that I was able to attend was when the creative director behind Gallivant Perfumes, Nick Steward. 

 Our friend, RIP Chris Giorgio filming a video for his Mr. Sillage YouTube Channel. He was a fan of  Gallivant London and Instanbul

Nick spent a few hours with us that night going over his creations, his process, and answering all of our questions.  This was my first time being around someone of that stature and it left a lasting impression on me. 

Nir with Joseph Quartana at  Perfumology in King of Prussia

On September 22 Joseph Quartana from Parfums Quartana made an appearance for an exciting event. Joseph showcased his whole line to a few people at a private event only open to those who had made a reservation. 


 Brian Warner, Nir Guy and Tali Guy (Nir's mom and  co-owner)

Perfumology has done several smaller gatherings in which fragrance reviewers and bloggers from all around the area have gathered with their favorite scents.  Nir instructed us all to bring a bottle of our favorite Perfume for us to allow the others to smell and to test.  We had a fantastic time being getting our noses on other people’s favorite scents, allowing me to discover more perfumes that I had never tried before. All these events that Perfumology holds feels like a family affair rather than a generic get together.  Nir’s mom, Tali, uses her baking and cooking skills to make generous amount of food for their guests. The tables and counters are lined with cookies, pastries, fresh fruits and vegetables, and also small finger sandwiches.  One of the bonuses for attending these various events is that you never can go home hungry. 

Juliette Has A Gun, Etat Libre D'Orange, Agonist and Boadicea The Victorious

Perfumology was also the perfect place for me to buy a wedding fragrance for my wife. Tali was such an amazing help and patiently helped me narrow my decision on what to purchase (MMMM…Juliette Has a Gun).  Never did I once feel rushed as I carefully browsed the selection, searching for that perfect scent.  It was a wonderful experience and now a memory that I think about very fondly. Perfumology will not remain just a store but also cornerstone for the perfume culture in Philadelphia and to the tri-state region (NJ, PA, DE).  I am excited to see how Perfumologys’ influence will spread and influence how other stores that open in the area begin to do business. I have been pleased many times when I am at the shop sniffing away at the fragrances when I see customers enter the store for their first time.  It doesn’t matter if it’s Tali, Nir, or Brian at the counter, they always make sure to treat that customer as if they are the only ones in the store.  The customer service that they display sets the bar for when I visit other stores. 

Please be on the lookout for new events that are coming up in the future (October 14th!!!). There is typically an event every few months whether it’s a meet and greet with a Perfumer or a get together for fragrance enthusiasts. 

I would like to encourage everyone to stop by the store if you live in the Philadelphia region and if you don’t, feel free to give them a call or visit their website. If you don’t see what you are looking for then Nir does everything he can to get that product for you. 

Olfactive Studio Display at Perfumology in King of Prussia​

Perfumology carries approximately 24 fragrance houses including:

Perfumology in King of Prussia is the exclusive USA stockist for 4160Tuesdays x CaFleureBon White Queen

4160Tuesdays London

Agonist (Sweden)

Boadicea The Victorious (London, UK)

Dusita Paris (Paris, France)

Eight & Bob (Paris, France)

Eris Parfums (New York, USA)

Escentric Molecules (Germany)

Etat Libre d’Orange (Paris, France)

Fulton & Roark (Winston-Salem, NC, USA)

Gallivant Perfume (London, UK)

Imaginary Authors (Portland, USA)

Juliette Has A Gun (Paris, France)

House of Lubin (Paris, France)

Marc Antoine Barrois B683 photo by Greco©

Marc-Antoine Barrois (Paris, France)

Nasomatto (Amsterdam, Holland)

Olfactive Studio (Paris, France)

Perfumology (Philadelphia PA, USA)

Tauer Perfumes (Switzerland)

TokyoMilk (Denver, USA)

YeYe Parfums (Santa Barbara, CA, USA)

Zoologist Perfumes (Toronto, Canda)

Belle Fleur display
Perfumology also showcases room scents and candles from Belle Fleur (created by Jerome Epinette!!!), traditional wet shaving products and beard care products from Proraso, Catie’s Bubbles, Chiseled Face, and PiperWai natural deodorant.

Nir has also hinted at a few new perfume houses coming in the near future.

–Jonathan Bittner, Guest Contributor

Perfumology in King of Prussia– 690 West Dekalb Pike, Suite 2045, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Website: www.perfumology.com

Contact info: info@perfumologyshop.com 610-337-0555

Monday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm

Thanks to Nir Guy of Perfumology we have a $50.00 GC/EC for a  registered Cafleurebon reader in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here or your entry will be invalid) to be used online or in store. Please  leave a comment with what you thought of Jonathan’s  tour of Perfumology in King of  Prussia and  if you have ever ordered or visited Perfumology. What is your favorite brand that you think Nir might want to carry or currently carries? Draw closes 10/15/2018

Please follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @perfumology

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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31 comments

  • cwoody says:

    I thought Jonathan’s tour of Perfumology was exactly how a fragrance shop should feel. Mentioning, “Never did I once feel rushed as I carefully browsed the selection, searching for that perfect scent.” I thought that is the way it should always feel. I’ve never purchased from Perfumology but have browsed online. My favorite brand is Imaginary Authors. – Arkansas

  • roxhas1cat says:

    What a spacious light and airy space. Gorgeous atmosphere for the best kind of shopping. Sure wish I lived closer. I was most excited to see they carry White Queen and Rhubarb Custard by 4160 Tuesdays. The shipping is so expensive from the UK. I’d like to suggest Panah London, I’ve heard great things about this line. Very thorough review Jonathan. USA

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Beeeeeeeautiful store! I’ve still never been in a location that has a perfume store. I mean, a REAL perfume store, like Perfumology. This makes me drool! I love the idea of everyone bringing their favorite scent to a party. I would love to smell the Dusita line that they carry. Thanks for the tour and the generous draw! I’m in the USA.

  • Nir says:

    Thank you Jon for showing everyone around our shop! We like to invite people to try things their own way and pace.

  • INYA says:

    I believe that I would spend hours at Perfumology, days at a time. Thanks for introducing this fabulous store. I’d try a brand that’s new to me, like Dusita Paris and Nasomatto. USA

  • Alen says:

    It looks really really nice, another heaven for perfume lovers 🙂 Its nice they carry Nasomatto and i think they should bring also the other one Orto Parisi. USA

  • Onyinye says:

    I have never visited or shopped at Perfumology. I’ll like viva la juicy if they don’t already carry it.
    I liked the review because it highlighted that it is a small, local family owned and operated business among giant brands and describes what it feels like when you step into the store.

  • Fusiongel says:

    I’ve spoken to Nir Guy before and he seems like one of the rare figures who gets to work and play at the same time. I haven’t ordered from Perfumology yet, but I’m just itching to get my hands on Grange. I’m surprised to see Costume National wasn’t listed as one of the brands he stocks at his establishment. With the cold New England weather fast approaching, Homme and Soul would fit nicely on his shelves. Cheers from Ct

  • NiceVULady says:

    I loved the tour, and I just wish that we had a place like that where I live. I’ve never visited or ordered from there. Tauer perfumes is one of my favorite brands. I’d like to see Neil Morris carried there.
    Thanks for the tour. I’m in the USA

  • Zibbyz says:

    I enjoy being able to sniff scents and talk to folks who share my interest, and it’s great the Philly has something for those folks. I like nasomotto scents, but have never purchased a FB. Good luck to them and their shop! I’m in the us

  • Maya says:

    Perfumology sounds and looks like an absolutely lovely store. I hope it works out well for this family. It’s great to be doing what you love and be able to share it. I had not heard of Perfumology before now. I see that they carry Lubin. One of my favorite perfumes is Lubin Kismet. USA.

  • Dave says:

    I have been to Perfumology many times and the way it is summed up in this article is completely true. The first time I ever went into this store I found it by accident. I was on my way to Neiman Marcus when i just so happen to see a display outside of his store that I believe had TokyoMilk on it at the time. There was Nir who came over to me with a smile on his face asking how I was? Not the normal can I help you with something that you get when going into every store when you’re browsing. I told him how i was intrigued by his shop and that I was just learning about Niche fragrances. He spent about an hour with me teaching me about fragrances I never even knew existed. I left the store that day with Elephant by Zoologist which I am still highly pleased with. To be honest with the way Nir treated me that day I feel it’s hard to go anywhere else to shop for fragrances. If anybody ever has the chance I HIGHLY recommend visiting the store.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I so wish this store existed when I lived in spitting distance of KOP! I like the characterization of Philly as an underdog city–lots of great small businesses and boutiques in the city, but not a big shopping Mecca. It is a Mecca for antiques, though, and I’ve stumbled upon many a nice vintage in antique malls there. I’d love to return to this area (which I lived in for 15 years) and see this store…it must be a breath of fresh air for the super commercialism of KOP. I’m always a fan of Tauer and nasomatto, and have been getting into Elis lately. Also I love that he carries Dusita! Wondering if l’Arquiste is on the horizon. Thanks for the draw–I’m in the US.

  • Olde Mutt says:

    Great place for reasonably priced shaving gear for those who don’t care so much about how they smell.

  • Cynthia says:

    I really enjoyed your story about Perfumology, Jonathan. It sounds like a great store and I love how they are happy to have perfumed gatherings. I wish I had someplace like this near me, where I could meet fellow perfumers. I am especially jealous of the Belle Fleur display. I’ve wanted to be able to sample smell these candles forever! Thanks for this. Nir sounds like a lovely person!

  • audesko1 says:

    Extremely detailed and interesting article about Perfumology. I do get emails from Nir. I think I asked him a question, Lovely Man and I would love a gift certificate to his store. Thank you for the chance. I’m in the US.

  • Rae Lynn says:

    I would love to visit Perfumology. It sounds like a perfume heaven. I was lucky enough to win a bottle of Blyss, and it is now one of my favorite perfumes! I also, love that it is a family owned and run business. The best of luck to them and their endeavors.

  • Hasib says:

    Thanks for the tour. It looks nice inside and out and so many great Houses to explore at Perfumology. Heard good about this place by some reviewers as well. Would like to check it out one day if I’m around the east coast. There are many brands I haven’t been able to explore so it’ll be exciting. Tauer, Gallivant and Nasomatto are just some. Thanks for the giveaway. California

  • Vahagn says:

    Interesting article!!
    I would love to visit Perfumology- very simple, but nice shop with good selection. Unfortunately, I’ve never purchased from Perfumology.
    My favorite brand is Imaginary Authors, Nasomatto, Tauer.
    US

  • Steve A. says:

    What a great place for the people of King of Prussia. I think my favorite brand being stocked is Escentric Molecules. I have yet to visit the Perfumology website. USA

  • Tami H. says:

    My husband and I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Nir this Summer.
    His shop is gorgeous and very easy to navigate. Nir is extremely knowledgeable about scents and made some Spot on recommendations for my husband who was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
    It was so lovely to chat Perfume with him and you can tell he takes great pride in what he does. We purchased lots that day and I’ve also ordered from his website.
    I live in the U.S. Thanks for the generous giveaway!

  • sillage4ever says:

    The We Love This Store series is one of my favorites on Cafleurebon, it’s so nice to see the shops that develop local perfume communities.

    Having recently discovered the quirky fun of Parfums Quartana makes it gratifying to see the line getting some more perfumista love, glad to see it showcased at Perfumology.

    Thanks always for your dedication.

  • doveskylark says:

    I love when Cafleurebon features brick and mortar perfume shops. I appreciate the friendliness and enthusiasm of the staff members who work at these stores. It is wonderful that Perfumology carries such a diverse array of perfumers. I’d love to visit the shop and try the Zoologist fragrances.
    I live in the USA.

  • Diana D says:

    I just moved to PA last December so I was so excited to learn Perfumery was also located in PA. I had planned to go to this event. But then I realized they’re in the southern part of the state; nearly 3 hours from where I live. I hope to still one day take a trip to their store. It looks fabulous! I’d like to see them carry fragrances from The Society of Scent. It’s a new indie/niche house that I learned about. I purchased their first release called Fabruary 14. It is an incredible rose oud perfume. They’re launching a bunch of new fragrances by the end of the year and I can’t wait to sample all of them.
    I live in the USA.

  • Kcast28 says:

    Oh I wish I lived closer!!! I would suggest carrying Le Labo or DS Durga as they are both fantastic fragrance houses! The selection sounds lovely! I’m in California USA

  • jeremyn87 says:

    Seems like a cool story of hard working people who built up their shop. I never would have expected high end fragrances at a mall kiosk. Tempted to explore some malls now! lol
    I’ve never been, but recently heard of it because of Redolessence.
    I think it would be cool if they carried Amouage, or some other Arabic brands. Even Montale.

    thanks for the draw

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I love that Nir has such a personal relationship with his customers. He is active in the frag groups and is always so gracious and engaged. Thanks for the article, it reminded me of a sample that I need to order from him! I have ordered in the past and love his Grange. Thank you for this draw and I live in the US.

  • Yasmina says:

    I have been to perfumeolgy and it’s great! I love that Nir brings brand owners and perfumers into the store. Gallivant is a favorite. I bought Istanbul there! I live in the US

  • Valentine Girl says:

    Thank you for the tour of the store & giving me a reason to go back and visit KOP Mall again. I am really happy that there is a brick and mortar perfume store within driving distance of me (finally!).
    I wish I could have attended the Initio event, as I just bought “Psychedelic Love” & I would also buy ‘Side Effect” if they end up carrying the Initio line.
    I would love to see the store carry Olivier Durbano’s scents. Thanks for the draw and I am already planning my visit. I am in the perfume desert middle between Bal’more & Philly (no longer), USA.

  • minteacup says:

    Perfumology’s shop is exactly 100 miles from home… with traffic around these parts, the four hour round trip precludes a casual stop, but maybe if I find myself spending a day or weekend in Philly… 🙂 I was driven to look up it up because this write-up made it sound like this is a particularly pleasant place to shop! Nice to see that the folks behind Perfumology have cultivated a family, community feeling. A bit of warmth goes a long way when it comes to shopping, especially when it comes to a “luxury” good like a perfume!

    Hard to pick a favorite brand in a solid line-up, I’d love to sniff my way through all of it but have a Zoologist and Tauer near the top of my wishlist. If I could suggest one more brand for them to carry it would be FRASSAI! I’m in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • Lori Laws says:

    What an awesome store! They have so many great brands and the tour was amazing. I look forward to stopping in when I visit my aunt for the holidays. I have heard of Perfumology before. Tauer and 4160 Tuesday’s are my favorite brands. Thanks for the draw and I live in the US!