Perfume Stores

From LoveToKnow Makeup

Shopping for perfume may require a lot of testing at perfume stores before finding just the right scent. With a wide variety of fragrances available on the market at different price points, there seems to be something for everyone. From department store counters, to specialty fragrance stores, to online retailers, there are a number of perfume stores to choose from.

Many perfume stores can be found online.

Department Stores

Perfume counters at department stores are most likely what come to mind when shopping for perfume. With knowledgeable retail staff to assist in finding the right scent, perfume stores within department stores are often the first stop when fragrance shopping. Some of the larger department stores that feature extensive perfume lines are:

Drugstores and Discount Stores

Drugstores make purchasing perfume as close and easy as the local pharmacy or variety store. This type of perfume store provides more reasonably priced scents, focusing on affordability. Discount stores, such as Wal-Mart, Kmart and Target also offer many brands of perfume at affordable prices.

Specialty Perfume Stores

In addition to buying perfume at the neighborhood pharmacy or big department stores, there are also a number of perfume stores that specialize in fragrances and cosmetics. Perfume stores can be physical store locations or online storefronts.

Sephora is the leading retail beauty store in Europe, making a presence in the U.S. market in 1998. Overall, there are 515 stores in 14 countries. Founded in 1969, Sephora now sells over 250 brands in the areas of fragrance, hair care, skincare, and bath and body, as well as their own label. Sephora associates are well trained in all aspects of beauty, including the science of creating fragrances. This specialized expertise is a benefit to their clientele. Sephora products are also available online.

Perfumania is the leading fragrance chain in the U.S., specializing in 300 brand name and designer fragrances. With discounted prices on their products (including harder-to-find fragrances), and a focus on service, selection and quality, Perfumania has become a very successful perfume store. With 239 retail stores, Perfumania is typically found in malls and outlet malls, but can also be found in airports and strip shopping centers.

The Body Shop creates products with an environmental focus. With a commitment against animal testing, The Body Shop has become a leading brand of cosmetics and perfumes for customers seeking natural and environmental-friendly products. Founded in 1976 in the UK, there are now over 2,100 stores in 55 countries. The Body Shop offers over 1,200 products, none of which are tested on animals. They also take pride in their Community Trade program, which promotes fair trade and supports over 15,000 people with income opportunities. Their core values include: Support Community Trade, Defend Human Rights, Against Animal Testing, Activate Self-Esteem, and Protect Our Planet. This commitment is seen in every product they produce and every storefront they operate. The Body Shop is part of the L'Oreal Makeup family.

Other Specialty Fragrance Stores

Many area malls and outlet centers may also include a store dedicated primarily to fragrance. Additionally, there are specialized perfume stores in some cities that allow customers to create customized fragrances.

Online Perfume Stores

Of course, since most anything can be purchased online, why should perfume be any different? The only downfall is that you can’t personally sample each scent, so online perfume shopping is best when you have a particular fragrance in mind. Perfume websites typically offer a discounted price and include:

Perfumania.com – provides a variety of fragrances, for men and women, as well as other cosmetics and skin products.
Perfume.com – offers over 8,000 brand name perfume and beauty products at discounted prices. Their fragrance products are available from over 700 designers, including those hard-to-find scents. Perfume.com matches competitors’ pricing.
Affordablescents.com – discounted colognes and perfumes, backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.