The New York outpost of this Japan-based retailer specializes in exclusive and imported brands, and its fragrance selection is a feast of hard-to-find scents. The fragrance and beauty departments recently moved from the store’s tranquil, spacious sixth floor down to the main floor; the new location may lack the upper level’s sense of sanctuary, but it offers greater visibility and more efficient browsing. After perusing the shelves of unusual perfumes (and the nearby offerings of cosmetics and skincare, including Shu Uemura, Dr. Ci:Labo, and Kanebo), be sure to visit the bed and bath department on the fifth floor, where even more fragrances are paired with accompanying bath products and home fragrance.
Not to be missed: Before leaving, make a stop in the lower level tea boutique to buy some loose-leaf Japanese tea that will taste as good as it smells. Your purchase will be tucked into an origami-like triangular shopping bag that perfectly embodies Takashimaya’s minimalist luxury.
Fragrance brands: Acqua di Biella, Ambra di Venezia (Montgomery Taylor), Anthousa, Campos de Ibiza, Carthusia, Detaille, Divine Perfumes, elizabethW, Fragonard, Il Profumo, Ineke, Keiko Mecheri, La Base, Miller et Bertaux, Miller Harris, Mor, Parfums 06130, Pecksniff’s, Potter & Moore, Sage, San, Santa Maria Novella, Summersent (Marjorie Midgarden Fragrances), The Different Company, Truly (Stephen Burlingham), Speziali Fiorentini, T Takashimaya, Ulrich Lang New York, Vertigo and YOSH.
Details: Takashimaya, 693 Fifth Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets) New York, NY 10022; 212-350-0100 or 1-800-753-2038
Nearby: Takashimaya is located across the street from Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue) and three blocks from Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Avenue). It is also close to the Museum of Modern Art (53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues), just in case you’re in the mood to view some art after your perfume-shopping.
— image & report filed by Jessica.
See also: Perfume Shopping in New York City
Update: the Takashimaya store is expected to close in June, 2010.