Niche fragrance, which has its origins in the last century, began as an alternative to widely distributed mainstream brands. This article combs over the history of how the category evolved from the early brands, recognized for quality and uniqueness, to today’s oversaturated market characterized by a lack of creativity, untenable launch pace and unjustified price points.

Cinquième Sens, the professional training organization and perfume creation center, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a full roster of activities. Not only has a new Managing Director come on board, but new offices in Dubai are set to open shortly and the group will have strong presence in all the upcoming industry trade shows.

While US department stores are in crisis-mode TikTok Shop has become the 6th most popular source for beauty and fragrance purchases. With content creators talking about the feeling the scent evokes, when and how to wear it, as well as telling the brand story, the platform has become an influential retail channel to drive growth and awareness.

Solid perfumes are nothing new: Estee Lauder fragrances had that market captured in the 80’s and 90’s, while the reference dates back to our grandmother’s day. Today’s solids are taking on fresh formats from jelly sticks to wax-based versions with skin care benefits. Portability and accessible pricing are the icing on the cake.

There’s a new way to connect with the fragrance community in your home town: perfume clubs. These informal settings bring like-minded frag heads together not only to sniff but to bond with others. Considering that more young people admit to feeling lonely, these clubs can offer a safe social environment where twin spirits can revel in their love of fragrance.

Production comes to a halt at the “largest counterfeit perfume factory in Europe” where eleven individuals have been put under arrest. A large scale operation involving French and Spanish authorities have seized 1.2 million products at the factory which has an estimated production of 4 million bottles annually.

London’s Selfridge’s has just revealed the new fragrance hall after a major 2-year renovation. It was thanks to founder Harry Gordon Selfridge back in 1909 that fragrance and beauty were moved from the back to the front of the store. The department includes 47 brands, many of which propose Selfridge’s exclusives.