Best Places to Buy Perfumes

You’ve probably been there—scrolling through endless options, looking for that perfect scent but overwhelmed by the choices. But what if I told you there’s a shortcut to finding not just any perfume, but the one that defines you, and at the best possible price?** You see, buying perfume isn’t just about walking into a store and picking a bottle based on its packaging. It’s about finding a place that understands your unique taste, offers a wide variety of scents, and—let’s not forget—provides a price tag that won’t make you wince.** If you’ve ever felt that buying perfume is like navigating a maze, then you’ll be happy to know there are some tried-and-true destinations where you can purchase perfumes that tick all the boxes. Here, we’ll break down the best places to buy perfumes so that your next purchase feels less like a chore and more like a rewarding experience.

1. Department Stores – The Traditional Go-To

There’s something about walking into a high-end department store that feels like a ritual. The gleaming counters, the polished floors, and most importantly, the sample bottles waiting for you to try. Stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's offer a vast selection of both luxury and mid-tier fragrances. But the real advantage? You get to sample them in person. The olfactory experience is key when buying a fragrance, and these stores allow you to test multiple options before making a choice. Plus, department stores often have exclusive deals, seasonal sales, and gift-with-purchase offers that make them a great place to snag your favorite scent.

However, department stores aren’t always the most budget-friendly, especially if you’re eyeing designer labels. But if exclusivity and quality are what you’re after, these stores are hard to beat. There’s also a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re getting an authentic product straight from an authorized retailer. You won’t have to worry about knock-offs or expired stock.

2. Perfume Boutiques – For the Connoisseur

If you’re looking for something truly unique, consider heading to a specialty perfume boutique. Stores like Le Labo, Jo Malone, and Creed specialize in offering perfumes that are more artisanal, often hand-blended, and created in small batches. These boutiques offer a bespoke experience, and in some cases, you can even have a perfume customized for you.

While boutiques often cater to those willing to spend more for high-end, rare fragrances, the experience alone is worth it for fragrance enthusiasts. You’ll often find scent consultants who can guide you through the intricacies of various notes—helping you discover a fragrance you may never have found on your own. The downside? Be prepared to pay premium prices. But if exclusivity is your thing, it’s money well spent.

3. Online Retailers – Convenience and Variety

The modern shopper knows that buying perfume online is one of the easiest ways to explore a wide range of brands, often at lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Retailers like FragranceX, FragranceNet, and Sephora’s online store have a massive selection, often at discounted rates. Many of these sites offer reviews, making it easier to find out how a perfume smells based on other people’s experiences—especially when you can’t test it out yourself.

What’s more, online retailers often provide free shipping and generous return policies, which gives you the flexibility to return a scent if it doesn’t meet your expectations. This convenience comes with a slight caveat: you don’t get to experience the fragrance firsthand before buying. But for those who already know what they want, online shopping is a no-brainer.

4. Duty-Free Shops – Travel and Smell Good

Anyone who travels knows that duty-free shops are a goldmine for scoring perfumes at a discount. Airport duty-free shops, in particular, are known for offering lower prices than you’d find in your local store, sometimes up to 20-30% off retail price. The selections are also often wider than what you’d find locally, with many brands offering travel-exclusive sizes and bundles.

One downside? You’re limited to buying during travel, and stock availability can vary. But if you’re heading on vacation, why not snag a deal? Duty-free stores are also a great place to stock up on luxury scents without paying full retail prices.

5. Discount Stores – Hidden Gems

Ever thought of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross as a place to buy high-end perfume? You’d be surprised. These stores often stock a wide range of designer fragrances at deeply discounted prices. You’ll need a bit of patience as the stock can be hit-or-miss, but if you’re lucky, you can walk away with a high-end scent for a fraction of the cost.

The downside is that these stores don’t always have the latest releases. But if you’re open to finding a classic scent or something you haven’t tried before, it’s worth sifting through the shelves. It’s almost like a treasure hunt for perfumes.

6. Subscription Boxes – Try Before You Commit

If committing to a full-size bottle without trying it first sounds daunting, then subscription boxes like Scentbird or Perfume.com’s subscription service are ideal. These services allow you to sample various scents for a monthly fee, giving you time to decide before making a bigger investment. The best part? You get to try niche and luxury fragrances without paying luxury prices upfront.

Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular because they allow you to discover new brands and scents you may not find in your typical department store. They’re the perfect option for those who love variety and experimentation.

7. Designer Outlet Stores – Bargains on Luxury

Some of the best deals on perfumes come from designer outlet stores. If you’re lucky enough to live near outlets like those from Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, or Coach, you’ll often find fragrances marked down significantly from their original retail price. These stores often offer bundled deals, where you can get a perfume and a body lotion or shower gel at a fraction of what you’d pay at a department store.

The only caveat is that you may not always find the very latest releases. But if you’re after a classic scent or something timeless, the savings can make it well worth the trip.

8. Supermarkets and Pharmacies – Convenience Meets Affordability

You might not immediately think of your local supermarket or pharmacy as a prime place to shop for perfumes, but retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, and even Target offer a surprising selection of fragrances at very competitive prices. While you won’t find exclusive or niche scents here, you will find well-known brands at prices that are often lower than department stores. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to grab a bottle while doing your grocery shopping.

For budget-conscious shoppers or those who need a quick, reliable option, supermarkets and pharmacies can be a great go-to. And in many cases, you can even find holiday sales or clearance deals that bring the prices down even further.

Final Thoughts – Finding Your Signature Scent

The journey to finding the perfect perfume doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re after a luxury scent from a department store or a bargain find at your local discount retailer, there’s an option out there for every budget and every nose. And remember, the best places to buy perfume are the ones that offer you both a great selection and the best value for your money.

At the end of the day, perfume is deeply personal, and where you buy it can be just as important as what you buy. So, next time you’re on the hunt for your new signature scent, consider these options and make your perfume-shopping experience a memorable one.