Exotic Fragrances Inc
New York
Exotic Fragrances in East Harlem is renowned for its vast catalog of over 1,000 concentrated perfume oil dupes that closely mimic designer and niche scents. Shoppers pull a ticket, browse a massive menu book to test up to seven samples, and have their chosen oils custom-bottled on the spot into rollerballs or decorative containers. The store is widely celebrated as a fun and budget-friendly destination, with small bottles starting between $4.50 and $8.
Commenters consistently praise the impressive accuracy of the fragrance oils, the affordable prices, and the sweet, helpful staff. However, longtime patrons express frustration that social media virality has brought chaotic crowds and ridiculous wait times to their former hidden gem. While newcomers are eager to visit, regular customers emphasize the need for extreme patience.
- Arrive right when the shop opens to avoid viral crowds and long waits.
- Pull a ticket number as soon as you enter the store.
- Browse the catalog beforehand to select up to seven scent samples to test.
- Choose compact roll-on bottles for an easy, budget-friendly everyday fragrance.
- Bring empty bottles back on return visits to inquire about refills.
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
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