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Fragrances Going the Way of the Cigarette

Women buying less perfume; some public spaces prohibit scents

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 14, 2008 2:26 PM CST
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(Newser) – Personal fragrances aren't smelling so sweet for US consumers, the New York Times reports: Though perfume varieties have increased, the number of women wearing them is decreasing. Though 85% of women still apply a scent, the ranks of the fragrant thinned by 2 million between 2003 and 2007. The drop, experts say, could stem from concerns about invading others’ personal space. 

“Many people said it bothers them that fragrance has an effect on other people,” says one beauty-industry analyst. And in bad news for Valentine’s Day, decreasing intimacy might be to blame. “You have to know someone pretty well to walk into a store and explain what kind of fragrance they might like,” says a market researcher.

Nationally that translates into 2 million more women who are saying 'I don't wear fragrance,' said one beauty industry analyst. Eighty-five percent of women are still buying fragrance, but an increasing number tell us they are wearing fewer scents, less frequently or not at all.
"Nationally that translates into 2 million more women who are saying 'I don't wear fragrance,' " said one beauty industry analyst. "Eighty-five percent of women are still buying fragrance, but an increasing...   (Shutterstock.com)
Many people said it bothers them that fragrance has an effect on other people, that they are trying to be considerate by not overcoming others with scent, said an industry analyst.
"Many people said it bothers them that fragrance has an effect on other people, that they are trying to be considerate by not overcoming others with scent," said an industry analyst.   (Shutterstock.com)
This Valentine's Day, a traditional gift of fine perfume is no longer welcome by a growing number of American women.
This Valentine's Day, a traditional gift of fine perfume is no longer welcome by a growing number of American women.   (Index Open)
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Perfume isn't hurting L'Oreal
Bloomberg

 
scents • cosmetics • perfume • fragrance • personal space • public spaces • odor bans

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