MiN New York

I came in asking for a pretty obscure perfume, and they had it. While I did not love that one, the salesperson very patiently asked me questions and started recommending fragrances. But then she showed me the scent stories, and WOW! I fell in love with Dune Road. Shipping to my home was free (I live in CA), and she sent me off with samples to hold me over until my order arrived. But it gets better. .. a few days ago I received a surprise delivery of samples from the new scent stories, Vol. 2! Can’t wait to order Chef’s Table!

Sadly, I can not recommend MiN for their customer service. I have never set foot in the brick-​and-​mortar store but I have ordered from their website.
I can only assume that the staff has changed, since I had heard glowing reviews on several fragrance boards. I was shorted an item in an order (the item was listed on the packing slip with no note about why it was excluded from the box, I assumed that someone misread the slip), and had to make inquiries twice before someone informed me that she didn’t know why I wasn’t told, but the item had sold out. I believe this to be untrue, but have no proof except that the item was listed on the website for several days after my order and two people online claim to have successfully ordered the same item after I did. She offered a refund, which I still have not received. I then requested a replacement item and inquired via email about making a further purchase and received no response. I have attempted to contact them since then with four politely written but unanswered emails and a phone call where I was left on hold for seven minutes before being disconnected.
I hope the owner sees my review here, because I assume that they are unaware of the problem. I’m giving the business the benefit of the doubt and making the assumption that an employee is trying to cover up a mistake, but ignoring a dissatisfied customer is a bad idea. I am really upset that I have to cross MiN off my list of reputable perfume retailers, because there is a sad shortage of places that carry a variety of niche lines and have a good website.

While the selection in the store is great, the service is not. I just came in to look for a perfume and there were two girls behind the counter. One said hello and that was the extent of the interaction. I looked around for quite a few minutes and all they did was talk to each other. No «can I help you» or «what can I help you find.» Nothing. I understand it’s New Years Eve, but it’s 2PM on a Thursday. You still have to help people. I was a manager in retail for many years and I would NEVER be ok with my associates doing that. Talking to your coworker is fine but ignoring the customer certainly isn’t.

LOVE this place! I could have spent hours sitting on the couch smelling fragrances. Sales people were on point and they have a large selection of abstract fragrances. I’m addicted!

Really lovely place. I came in because I wanted to sniff some perfumes by Etat Libre d’Orange, which is only stocked by a couple places in New York. I don’t have a luxury budget, so if I buy a really nice perfume, I have to LOVE it first, no room for risk. I think MiN «gets» that, even though I’m sure most of their customers come in with plenty of money to plunk down. Rolando was incredibly helpful and polite. I was worried that a place this expensive would be snooty but it wasn’t like that at all. And they didn’t mind me trying out a whole bunch of the testers — and by doing so, I discovered some amazing stuff (Kerosene) that I didn’t even know existed. Their selection isn’t the most extensive, but it was a fun place to find amazing new things, and the three sample policy is very reasonable. I love how the people working there don’t smother you and instead just let you look and sniff around. I have a feeling I’ll eventually be back with money to spend…

Shall we say snooty? I was really hoping to enjoy my experience at this store because I had heard wonderful things about their fragrances, but alas I was severely turned off by the salesperson who acted like she was doing me a favor by showing me the fragrances I wanted to try. Not only was there very little attempt to serve me as a customer, but my questions were met with curt replies, as though they were an annoying distraction from her job LOL.
I spent an entire summer in Paris visiting parfumeries doing market research project for a major fragrance company, and the attitude at MiN was worse than any of the Parisian parfumeries I had been to. That says it all.
I was relieved to see that some of the other reviewers had the same experience I had because I thought it was just me. i think I’m going to take my business elsewhere unless I’m contacted by a store representative with an apology.

It is no surprise that I have fallen in love with MiN New York. I am a bit obsessed with perfume!
Perfume invokes memories and tells a story. My favorite perfume is «La Danza delle Libellule» by Nobile 1942. Every time I smell this scent I recall wandering the streets in Rome where I first discovered this perfume. Unfortunately, the perfume is Italian and nearly impossible to find in the United States. I wasn’t able to locate my perfume on a recent trip to Italy so I was ecstatic when my husband informed me the perfume was sold at MiN New York.
MiN New York is not your typical perfume store. This upscale apothecary, located in SOHO, is filled with aromatic treasures from around the world. Each shelve is lined with rare and exotic scents that you would not find at an ordinary department store.
One might expect the service to be snooty at MiN, but I found it was quite the opposite. I think the sales associate that assisted my sister and I was as infatuated with perfume as I am so we were able to trade stories on our favorite fragrances. Sadly, she told me that MiN no longer carried my beloved La Danza delle Libellue any longer, but she helped me discover a new fragrance that I love just as much!
I don’t recall the sales associate’s name, but she was very knowledgeable on the subject of perfumes. After showing me several fragrances she discovered it was the Bergamot apple scent that I was obsessed with. She took the notes from my favorite perfume and introduced me to Angelo di Fiume Linari, a sensual French perfume that translates to «angel of the river». This ethereal perfume contains a blend of fruity, floral, and musky notes including: wild cherries, Bergamot apple, raspberry, orange, heart, ylang ylang, jasmine, and sweet milk. The caramel, Madagascar vanilla, white musk, and patchouli base gives this sweet and floral perfume a seductive smell.
The bottle is just as luxurious as the perfume! The bottle, designed by Ranier Diersche, is made with the finest French glass and is inlaid with 22 carat gold plating. The wooden stopper is made from African wenge wood.
I paid dearly for this exotic French perfume, but it was worth every penny! I never encounter anyone wearing my unique scent and my husband adores this perfume on me. I will definitely be returning to MiN on my next trip to New York!

I’ve been in to MiN New York several times now and have made purchases, sometimes multiple purchases, during each visit (most recently, today, Feb. 2). During those visits I’ve been helped by 2 different ladies and, without exception, they went WAY above and beyond with their customer service. I was most impressed, I think, with the time they devoted to me while I was in the store. They got to know my preferences and then very carefully introduced me to dozens of fragrances that fit my profile. Along the way, they explained the background of each fragrance, its composition, etc. And the more questions I asked, the more interested they were in helping me. Today alone, I was helped by the store’s curator (I think her name was Mindy) over the course of an hour and not once did she lose interest or attempt to break away to help anyone else. I was her customer… period. By the time I left (with a new fragrance, by the way), I had 5 or 6 new fragrances on my list and will be back to purchase all of them. These are niche fragrances and cost a lot more than the junk in department stores. Customers appreciate this kind of service and, when they get it, don’t mind dropping $ 200-​$ 500 per bottle.
I’d also add that MiN is generous with samples, understanding that if a customer can go home and test the scents out in their real lives, and hopefully like them, they’ll be back to make a purchase. Great business strategy.
There are several good niche fragrance shops in NYC, and they all do a good job. But if you’re into this category, you really need to stop into MiN New York (super cool shop, by the way). The massive selection and stellar customer service make it worth it.

I adore MiN! I typically prefer to browse on my own when shopping, but trust me… let the talented staff of MiN lead you through an olfactory journey to your new favorite scent. I trust Yulia completely and she has yet to disappoint. Her passion is infectious. Yes, you will spend more money than you would at Sephora or Macy’s but if you can’t see the added value of spending your coin at a beautifully curated apothecary over a generic big-​box-​shop then turn away now.

What an incredible experience… was looked after with so much expert care and attention, walking away with an absolutely exquisite signature fragrance. Well worth a visit.

This place absolutely STINKS, as in they overdid it big time. I love the idea of an apothecary but this joint was overstaffed and assaults the olfactory in a way that must be unhealthy.

Maybe I’m just having bad luck with MiN as others have had good experiences. When going to the store a year or so ago, my friends and I had a rude sales attendant. We felt very uncomfortable being there. We are die-​hard fragrance lovers and felt very sad leaving there disappointed. I decided to give them another try online and buy their seemingly generous sample sizes. They are advertised as 2mL samples on the site. I unfortunately received my vial with barely any product, perhaps 15% filled. It certainly was not one of their expensive perfume offerings for which I would expect a smaller sample. I sent a polite email asking if the sample was correct in volume and my email was ignored. Sadly, this is my last transaction with MiN. I love what they offer but I have yet to have a pleasant experience with them. I will be keeping my business with Lucky Scent based in L.A. I have had nothing but outstanding experiences with them, in-​store and online.

its businesses like this that make me love New York.
If you want an exclusive selection of cologne and perfumes well this is the right place. Its also very charming and the staff are extremely extremely polite.

I adore this niche fragrance shop. Tucked a block away from the tourist fest that is Boardway. The store itself has a quiet, upscale feel to it. Associates are all friendly and knowledgable, all while not smothering you and push for sales.
Just ask for blotters and go on a fragrance journey – guided by associates or venture on your own.
Their largest collection on display in terms of fragrance houses seem to be Montale, E’tat Libre D’Orange, Amouage, and Mona Di Orio.
They even offer online orders, one of the associates personally wrote me a note after I made a mention to thank her on the online comment section.
With all that being said, owww… my wallet.

«Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now.» If you’ve seen the scene from Pretty Woman, and know how they treated her at a store, you’ll begin to understand my experience at MiN New York.
In the past, I’ve had lovely experiences at MiN New York, but that was when Alejandro was working there. Since then, the knowledge and passion has been sucked out of the store, and you’re better off heading to Aedes de Venstas or Barney’s New York or Bergdorf Goodman. My most recent experience has turned me off completely, as the VP and Curator of the store, Mindy Y, displayed horrendous customer service practices — not to mention tacky and snarky twitter responses to genuine complaints:
I explain on phone that I opened scent & hated it. Employee Judy: «Drive in. We will exchange it.”@minnewyork refuses to honor her word — @stephanieklein
@stephanieklein Stories change, but policies do not. Would you try to return an open bottle of wine? Same rule applies. — @minnewyork
@minnewyork Policy makes sense but wasn’t reiterated over the phone. Had it been, end of story. Who makes that trip o’wise? — @Sticksel
@Sticksel Sadly, she opened and used the product. Simply, no one would exchange or issue a refund for an opened bottle of coke. #life — @minnewyork
After a regrettable purchase from their store, I phoned to ask if there was anything they could do. I explained that I’d opened the scent, sprayed it once and really despised it. The employee told me she wouldn’t want me to leave the store unhappy and that I should come in and exchange it for something I loved. Only, once I arrived (after paying for tolls, parking, gas – dragging my husband and kids in the snow), they refused to honor what the employee had told me, explaining that she was in training and shouldn’t have said what she did. For my inconvenience they could offer 15% off my NEXT purchase, but couldn’t take back the wretched scent I’d just purchased from them only days before, DESPITE WHAT THEIR OWN EMPLOYEE TOLD ME.
I’m not in the habit of returning fragrance, (though I’ve heard that Sephora, Neiman-​Marcus, Nordstrom, and SAKS will gladly take returns on opened and used fragrances, no questions asked), and I wasn’t looking to be refunded. I was even willing to spend more, and I would’ve left, as the employees had said, happy and anticipating my next purchase with them. Instead, I am deeply disappointed that they chose not to honor the word of their employee, despite what their return policy says on the receipt and site (a policy their employee clearly didn’t know either).
You vote with your wallet. I vote for establishments who know and demonstrate the true value of service. I love supporting independent stores, usually because they are personable and intimate and value their customers. MiN has lost my vote.

Min is is my favorite shop in NYC for niche fragrances. I LOVE that they are welcoming and give you no attitude. They give you as many blotters as you need and give you time and space to explore. And if you need help, they will spend as much time with you as you need.
Barney’s is too annoying, Aedes is aloof, snobby and they never have anything in stock. Oswald is intimidating and and their selection is limited,
I give Min 5 starts for service, but I do wish they carried Serge Lutens and Malle. Otherwise perfect!

I’m a shopper and went to MIN for a new scent. I walked out with a ton of supplies for my husband, all because of the knowledgeable Alejandro. Somehow, in the span of 2 weeks, he talked me into quite a few scents. And grooming sets for the hubby. And gifts for people during christmas. That’s how fab of a salesperson he is. F-​A-​B!!! I don’t regret my purchases at all and everyone loves what I picked out (or Alejandro).
I’d give a higher rating but Alejandro isn’t there anymore so I have to find a new stop for specialties or go to the other store nearby. Oh sadness as i have two birthdays in the next week and I could describe something and he would be able to pick out a few items for me and made it very user friendly. Alejandro knew my tastes and was so knowledgeable. He should write a book on sales because he knows customer service.

This is NOT a stuffy, pretentious perfume shop, but it is composed of one of the best selections of high-​end fragrances in the United States. During a weekend trip I made to New York, I went into this shop twice — once to try many (but not even close to being all) of their fragrances and then went there again with my wife for her to see which ones she happened to like. I was helped both times by Alejandro, who helped me and other customers at the same time with such knowledge, attentiveness, and effortless multitasking that I was constantly being presented with scents that he figured out that I may like. There was certainly an innate algorithm going through his head for each one of the people he was helping — spraying blotter strips and placing them out with their respective bottles in accordance with our responses to prior sniffings.
Every department store and shop that I’ve ever patronized were stingy with their samples, but MiN makes you feel like you are not imposing to ask for something to try before you make your decision.
This place will always be on my list of places to visit when I go back to New York.

Stopped in after seeing that they carried safety razors and proraso products. The shop is small but well stocked with products. I went in thinking I wanted one brand (merkur) and Alejandro guided me in another direction (parker). He was knowledgeable, friendly, and did not pressure me to purchase anything. Going into the store to hold the razor was absolutely better than buying online.
The prices were the same or better than Amazon and there was a 10% discount with Foursquare. I compared the razor price as I was standing there and Min’s prices were better.
Great shopping experience. I can’t wait to go back and have a scent consultation!

For the past few months I’ve been in a funk, I’ve outgrown my favorite scents by Lorenzo Villoresi and Santa Maria Novella, and I have long since wanted something new but didn’t really know how to move forward. And to top it off, I HATE shopping.
Customers don’t come any more low-​maintenance than me. I never need anything, I don’t have any questions, I don’t want to know anything, I don’t want to see anything, I’ve done all my research online and read a thousand reviews — I never enter a store until I’m ready to make a purchase, because I believe in supporting flesh and blood rather than anonymity over the internet, especially since it’s basically the same price.
These charming helpful tolerant respectful people were very kind to allow me to wander around their beautiful intimate store and endlessly nose around their many fantastic selections, no attitude no dirty looks no judgement. I was very comfortable.
I spent more than an hour in here, and left with a tremendous headache, but that was nobody’s fault other than my own. I should have taken some deep breaths, taken a few moments between each of the thousand fragrances I smelt, whatever. Unfortunately, I did not find my new signature scent, but I found a few candidates.
Oud, also known as Aoud or Oudh, is my current obssession — it’s a resin that creates a whole world of sensations and stimuli every time I smell it – this place has plenty of choices, perhaps too much and too many, and I will fervently be heading back in a few months (after I blaze my way through 4 dozen different 1ml samples).