Le Labo, a French fragrance brand under the ownership of Estée Lauder, has officially unveiled its first store in mainland China situated in the bustling commercial hub of Xintiandi.
Housed within a two-story building, formerly a historical Shikumen “Open House” Museum showcasing the lifestyle of Old Shanghainese in the 1920s, the Estée Lauder-owned perfumery has transformed the space into a Le Labo flagship store. This establishment not only offers an extensive range of Le Labo products but also features a delightful vegan bakery and café.
Decorated with purposely distressed tiled walls and a vintage-looking washing sink, the ground floor showcases Le Labo’s timeless fragrance collections, body care products, and more. A stunning display features 17 out of the brand’s 19 signature scents, with 50ml of perfume priced at 1680 RMB (237.29 USD) and 100ml bottles available for 2380 RMB (336.16 USD).
Venturing to the second floor, visitors are welcomed by a charming vegan café and bakery, where cups of freshly brewed coffee are priced between 30 and 40 RMB (4.24 to 5.65 USD). Additionally, a cosy reading area furnished with plush couches and chairs awaits guests, while “The Fragrance Organ”, a dedicated corner reminiscent of Le Labo perfumers’ workstations, captivates the senses. The lounge area also offers a selection of books covering fragrance, handcrafted creations, and wabi-sabi aesthetics, providing an opportunity for leisurely browsing.
According to WWD, even before its entrance into mainland China, Le Labo had already garnered significant attention on Xiaohongshu, with tens of thousands of discussions surrounding the brand and its overseas availability.
Originating from Grasse, France, Le Labo established its first fragrance laboratory in New York in 2006, ultimately being acquired by Estée Lauder Group in 2014. The cult perfumer now boasts 78 boutiques and more than 385 points of sale in 43 countries worldwide.
Le Labo has emerged as a prominent player in Estée Lauder Group’s fragrance division. Despite a 12% year-on-year decline in net sales to 3.75 billion USD as of March 31, the brand’s fragrance segment achieved double-digit growth with products from Le Labo, Jo Malone London, and Tom Ford Beauty playing a pivotal role.
Overall, the introduction of Le Labo to the Chinese mainland market marks a significant stride for Estée Lauder Group as it continues to expand its presence within the fragrance industry across China.
