Scent Bar NYC reopens!!!
When the pandemic changed our lives, in March of 2020, I wondered how the fragrance shopping experience would evolve for the boutiques and department stores going forward. Clearly, events were off the table for the foreseeable future. Over the months with stores shuttered, fragrance aficionados wondered what to expect from ‘the new normal’ once allowed to shop again. One thing is for sure, online purchasing was the only way for fragrance aficionados to get their fix while quarantine and Luckscent, THE premier online destination in the USA for all niche, artistic and hard to find brands, was certainly the go-to destination for many perfumistas. After launching Luckyscent online in 2002, founders Franco Wright and Adam Eastwood, expanded their business when they opened their first Scent Bar in Los Angeles in 2006 with a second following in the downtown area a few years later.
Scent Bar NYC I Love YY (photo by Hernando October 1, 2019)
At the end of the summer of 2019, rumor had it that Luckyscent was opening Scent Bar NYC on Elizabeth Street, located in one of New York City’s premiere fragrance shopping meccas (joining notable brands Le Labo, Atelier Cologne, and Cire Trudon amongst others on the block). Expectations ran high in the fragrance community. Opening October 1st, 2019 (I stopped by for a look-see) they certainly set the bar high. For the store’s launch, Perfumer Antonio Gardoni created I LOVE YY. Later in the month Scent Bar NYC participated in Sniffapalooza’s Fall Ball and it was by far the most anticipated scent stop of the weekend. As our city slowly reopened for retail shopping in mid August I reached out to Vijay Uttam, Sales and Education at Scent Bar NYC, I set up an hour consultation to find out what the fragrance experience would look like during the Pandemic.
Scent Bar NYC Entrance Policy
Vijay greeted me warmly at the door. At the entrance was the three guest policy (same group) for the safety of the staff and customers. If another customer(s) arrives they are asked to return in 10-15 minutes to allow the current customer(s) to receive the complete personalized service. Before getting down to perfume, Vijay ran through the protocols that Scent Bar NYC has been put into effect since re-opening and how the boutique practices “safe scents”.
Interior of Scent Bar NYC
Upon entry, customers are asked to sanitize their hands and masks are provided if needed. The main counter has also been cleared of bottles and blotter strips. Once a fragrance has been chosen Vijay will spray the blotter strip(s) and put them down on the counter tips folded up so as not to interact with the counter. Customers are then asked to take a few steps back from the counter (Vijay likewise) so then they can lower their mask and sniff at ease. He offers to spray on customers’ wrists, arms, etc. Touching the bottle(s) is discouraged. Used blotters strips are put into a vessel and disposed of. The vessel will then be sanitized.
Scent Bar NYC is located on 244 Elizabeth Street in New York
If any bottles or candles are taken off the side shelves and touched customers are asked not to return them to the original locations but to put them on the counter to know what needs to be sanitized. Clearly, everything has been thought of to make the olfactory experience safe and enjoyable.
Vijay Utam wearing mask
Before getting down to sniffing I had a few questions:
How many customers have also visited one of the LA stores? Vijay estimated 15-20% and 70% have shopped on the Luckyscent website.
I asked, “What percentage of the fragrances available on the website are carried in the store? He thought approximately 50%.
If interested in a certain bottle(s) it is advisable to call in advance to determine if on-premise. They can be ordered and delivered to the store if needed. I was also interested in learning more about WHO shops at Scent Bar NYC. I was surprised to learn that the answer is “Male 70%, female 30%. It’s been Vijay’s experience that they shop differently. “The men generally are very well researched, and many come in with a list. The women generally want to enhance their overall image. They are generally more open to suggestions”.
Vijay on the phone with a client
Since re-opening, Vijay Uttam is overseeing all aspects of Scent Bar NYC solo but he expects to staff up in the Fall as the holidays approach. I was with Vijay for an hour; customers waited patiently outside for us to wrap up. One way to guarantee a seamless visit is to make an appointment in advance. Similar to the LA outposts, Scent Bar NYC is set-up to focus on the ingredients and olfactory character of scents as opposed to by brands that customers find very helpful.
I asked, How do you work with a customer that needs guidance? “A fragrance consultation gets it started. Questions like what fragrances they have or like. Any Specific flavors? Do they like light scents shear fragrances. Ingredients, strength. What speaks to you?” According to Vijay, “85% will make a purchase It’s the trust factor. Getting it right. No pressure. A velvet glove approach.” I asked if the customer is price sensitive? He replied, “Only if they mention they are looking to purchase a gift. I always include a sample with a purchase. So as long as the package is unopened it can be exchanged.”
complimentary samples
Samples are not sold at Scent Bar NYC, but two complimentary samples per customer are offered. If they desire more they are direct to the website to purchase. Behind the counter, on the main wall, the lighter fragrances are presented on the left and the darker ones on the right.
Vijay of Scent Bar NYC with Villa Nellcote Eau de Parfum by 19-69 and Nishane Fan Your Flames
I asked Vijay to have a fragrance consultation “role-playing”… me as a new to niche customer (citrus and patchouli please) and then as an experienced scent expert (cedar and oakmoss). After running through questions and based on my input he chose Villa Nellcote Eau de Parfum by 19-69 for the new-to-niche customer. He suggested Nishane Fan Your Flames for the “scent expert”, he was right on and those were two samples I took home.
Before departing I asked Vijay for a Top Ten list.
Scent Bar NYC fragrance wall
Scent Bar NYC’s top-selling brands:
I had a great time… and I will be back soon.
Scent Bar NYC
244 Elizabeth Street, New York NY 10012
Phone: (646) 609-4357
Website: https://www.luckyscent.com/
Hours or services may differ
Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday – Sunday
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please email scentbarnyc@luckyscent.com directly.
–Hernando Courtright, New York City Event Contributor and Brand Ambassador (with additional information from Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief)
All photos Hernando for CaFleureBon© and cannot be reproduced without our permission.
Scent Bar NYC/ Luckscent Gift Bag and giveaway collage by Michelyn
Thanks to the generosity of co-owners Franco Wright and Adam Eastwood a draw: One 10pc Escentric Molecules discovery set, one Tauer Au Couer du Desert mini 5ml, and one Goldfield Banks – Bohemian Lime 7.5ml for a registered US reader. To be eligible please leave a comment on what you enjoyed about Hernando’s visit to Scent Bar NYC. Anything surprised or excited you? Draw closes 9/09/2020.
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