The fragrance giant’s sparkling new 950sq ft store features sensor-controlled lighting, a tree installation made from recycled bottles and scents grouped together by brand, for a straightforward but utterly luxurious shopping experience.
Choosing your wedding perfume is a big deal. And yes, we’re fully aware that many more things are a bigger deal when it comes to wedding planning (can you say finding a venue?), but the fact remains that, aside from your photos, scent is the fastest way to transport you back in time to that day. It’s your memories, bottled. And that, my friend, is a priceless investment.
Where to find such an investment? Well, The Perfume Shop’s brand new, glass-fronted store within Edinburgh’s epic St James Quarter is a pretty good place to start. At 950sq ft, the flagship space is huge – plenty of room for your favourite brands, including Chanel, Dior, Marc Jacobs, Boss and Gucci, alongside the store’s bestselling ranges, The Perfume Edit and ME.
If it sounds like you’ll be spoilt for choice, that’s not the only spoiling going on: one-to-one consultations, free gift wrapping and personalised ribbon printing are all on the table, too. I mean, it would be rude not to…
Most impressive though is the shop’s eco credentials. We’re all acutely aware of our impact on the planet, and The Perfume Shop has really thought about how its latest store might lessen its carbon footprint. The lighting is all LED and sensor-controlled, the floor is sustainable timber, and the heating and cooling system is integrated for efficiency. Even the entrance mat hasn’t escaped the eco treatment, and is made from 80% recycled goat hair.
The store will also be home to a dedicated zone, with a stunning tree installation at its centre (made from recycled bottles, of course), where you can grab refillable fragrances. You’ll also then be able to return your empty bottles for recycling and receive 10% off your next purchase, while The Perfume Shop will plant a tree, in conjunction with Eden Reforestation Projects, for every bottle recycled.
“We’re so thrilled to have been able to open a new store in such a prestigious location,” says The Perfume Shop’s marketing and customer experience director Cathy Newman. “It’s especially rewarding to have made it as environmentally-friendly as possible. It’s a really exciting space for Edinburgh and for The Perfume Shop and we can’t wait to welcome you into store.”
Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of perfumes? The Perfume Shop’s fragrance expert Elizabeth Edwards has narrowed down the search for your nuptial scent with a few favourite, wedding-friendly fragrances to make a beeline for first:
Flowerbomb, Viktor & Rolf
“Prepare for a floral explosion with sparkling top notes of tea, bergamot and freesia,” describes Elizabeth. “Fall in love with the floral heart of Sambac jasmine, Cattleya orchid and Centifolia rose, and be enveloped in woody base notes of amber and patchouli.”
Chloé, Chloé
“Fresh, subtle and sophisticated, this Chloé perfume exudes a combination of floral powder notes, hints of peony and lychee, and the embellishment of springtime freesia,” summarises Elizabeth. “The airy, flirtatious head notes drift away to reveal magnolia and lily of the valley, as well as subtle intimations of warm amber and elegant cedarwood. Chloé Eau de Parfum is spot on for a romantic and fun-filled wedding.”
Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel
“Coco Mademoiselle is iconic,” argues Elizabeth. “This famous, floral perfume has top notes of bergamot, orange and grapefruit, heart notes of rose, litchi and jasmine, and base notes of patchouli, vanilla, musk and vetiver. It’s perfect for a sophisticated bride-to-be.”
J’adore, Dior
“J’adore unites essence of ylang-ylang, floral-fruity notes, and essence of Damascus rose from Turkey and blends with a rare duo of jasmine Grandiflorum from Grasse, and Indian Sambac jasmine,” says Elizabeth. “This feminine fragrance is what love stories are made of.”
La Vie Est Belle, Lancôme
“This fragrance will surely bring a smile at first spray,” Elizabeth contends. “Featuring a bouquet of fabulous florals – think precious orange blossom, jasmine and iris – as well as fruity blackcurrant and pear, it’s refreshingly modern. Sharpened with an undertone of patchouli, vanilla and praline, it really lingers, making it ideal for the big day.”
Which scent will be your signature?