Where To Buy Cologne: Exploring Retail Options

There are many stores that sell cologne, including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Macy's, CVS, and Perfumania. Some of these stores offer online shopping, while others have physical locations. In addition, there are several online retailers, such as Amazon, eBay, and FragranceX, that sell cologne at discounted prices. When purchasing cologne, it is important to consider factors such as scent preference, longevity, and price. Proper storage and application can also help extend the life of your cologne.

Online stores

There are many online stores that sell cologne, including some of the big-name retailers. Here are some of the top options:

Amazon

Although not the first place you might think of to buy cologne, Amazon does stock fragrances. However, it can be hard to verify the authenticity of the product, especially if it's from a third-party seller. To be sure you're getting the real deal, buy directly from the Amazon storefront, or look for items available via Prime shipping.

Scentbird

Scentbird offers a subscription service, sending you a vial of fragrance to try each month for around $17. You take a quiz on your scent preferences, and they send you a fragrance they think you'll like. You can then buy a full bottle if you like it.

FragranceNet

One of the biggest perfume retailers in the world, FragranceNet has been around since 1997 and offers heavily discounted fragrances—sometimes with up to 80% off retail prices.

FragranceX

FragranceX is similar to FragranceNet, offering highly discounted fragrances, mostly designer, but with some higher-end colognes, too. They frequently offer additional discounts and coupons.

Perfume.com

Perfume.com has been around since 1995 and offers discounts of up to 80% off retail prices. It sells designer fragrances, with a few niche options, and has a straightforward search function. You can filter by brand, scent profile, or size.

Jomashop

Although Jomashop is best known as a grey-market watch dealer, it also carries thousands of fragrances, including top-shelf brands like Dior, Armani, and Tom Ford, as well as niche favourites from Diptyque and the House of Creed. They have frequent sales, but the site can be a little tricky to navigate.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is a mass-market retailer, offering mostly designer fragrances at mid-range prices, with a few niche options. They offer free shipping and returns, and you can also visit one of their physical stores to ask for a sample vial.

Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty offers a selection of top men's colognes, ranging from woody and robust scents to fresh, citrusy notes. They offer free standard shipping on purchases over $35.

Fragrance Outlet

Fragrance Outlet is one of the nation's largest retailers, with over 100 stores and a wide range of genuine designer fragrances, including Calvin Klein, Dior, and Gucci. They offer online and in-store shopping, with various discounts and deals.

Fragrance Market

Fragrance Market is one of the largest and most trusted online fragrance retailers in the US, selling genuine designer fragrances, cosmetics, and accessories. They offer discounts of up to 80% off and have a wide range of affordable luxury scents for him and her.

Perfumania

Perfumania carries a large variety of perfumes and colognes, offering discounted fragrances from top designer brands online and in over 100 store locations.

Department stores

When it comes to department stores, Macy's is a popular choice for cologne shoppers. They offer a vast collection of fragrances, including designer brands such as Chanel, Armani, and Dior. Macy's also provides gift sets, making it an ideal place to find presents for loved ones. Another well-known department store for cologne is Sephora. They carry an extensive range of fragrances, including exclusive and niche scents, ensuring that you can find unique colognes alongside the more familiar options.

Ulta Beauty is another excellent department store option, offering a selection of top men's colognes. Their range includes woody and robust scents, as well as fresh, citrusy notes, catering to a variety of preferences. Ulta Beauty also provides helpful tools like their Fragrance Finder, which can assist you in choosing a cologne that aligns with your tastes.

In addition to these stores, there are other department stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory, which are known for offering discounted prices on cologne. These stores can be great places to find name-brand colognes at more affordable prices.

Discount stores

One of the leading discount fragrance retailers is Fragrance Outlet, which has over 100 physical stores across the US and an online shop. Fragrance Outlet offers a wide variety of genuine designer fragrances, including colognes from top brands such as Calvin Klein, Dior, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and more. They provide discounts of up to 80% on these designer brands, making luxury fragrances more accessible. Fragrance Outlet has been in the fragrance business for over 30 years and is committed to offering high-quality scents at affordable prices.

Another popular discount option is Perfume.com, which offers free shipping on thousands of fragrances and savings of up to 80% off retail prices. Perfume.com guarantees the authenticity of their products, assuring customers that they only sell original brand names. They have a wide range of popular cologne brands, including Versace, Calvin Klein, Davidoff, and more. Perfume.com also has a rewards program where customers can earn points with every purchase, eventually earning them additional discounts.

FragranceX.com is another excellent discount fragrance retailer, boasting a selection of over 9,500 brands of cologne and perfume, including well-known names like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gucci, and Elizabeth Arden. They offer discounts of up to 80% on these brands and provide free shipping. FragranceX.com is based in Hauppauge, New York, and has earned the trust of over 20 million satisfied customers.

In addition to these online retailers, Perfumania is also an option, with over 100 physical locations and an online store offering discounted fragrances from top designer brands.

These discount stores provide a great opportunity to purchase authentic colognes from renowned brands at affordable prices, allowing customers to indulge in their favourite scents or try out new ones without breaking the bank.

Drug stores

When shopping for cologne at a drug store, it is important to understand the different types of fragrances available. While the term "cologne" is often used to refer to any men's fragrance, the industry classifies them according to oil concentration. "Eau de cologne", for example, has a lower oil concentration than "parfum" and may not last as long. Drug stores usually stock a range of these options, allowing customers to choose the one that suits their needs and preferences.

In addition to the type of fragrance, drug stores often provide guidance on how to apply cologne for optimal results. For instance, experts recommend applying cologne directly to the skin, focusing on pulse points like the neck and wrists, as these areas emanate heat and help diffuse the scent. Drug stores may also offer tips on how to make cologne last longer, such as storing it in a cool, dry place and applying it after a shower when pores are more open.

By offering a diverse selection of colognes and providing helpful application tips, drug stores like CVS make shopping for fragrances convenient and accessible. Whether you're looking for a signature scent or something special for an occasion, drug stores have you covered.

With their knowledgeable guidance and variety of options, drug stores are a great choice for anyone looking to purchase cologne.

Beauty stores

Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty is a well-known retailer that offers a wide range of beauty products, including colognes. They carry various cologne brands, such as Armani, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and more. Ulta Beauty provides an online Fragrance Finder tool to help customers find their preferred fragrance based on their preferences. They also offer free standard shipping on purchases over $35.

Sephora

Sephora is another popular beauty retailer that offers a wide selection of colognes, including top brands and exclusive, niche scents. They provide free shipping for their Beauty Insider members with no minimum purchase required. Sephora also offers fragrance gift sets and cologne samples, making it easy to explore new scents.

Perfumania

Perfumania is a discount fragrance retailer that carries a large variety of designer brand perfumes and colognes. They offer discounted prices on top brands, both online and in their physical stores. Perfumania is a great option for those looking for a bargain on name-brand colognes.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy, a trusted neighborhood retailer, offers a wide variety of men's colognes, including popular brands such as Armani, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Dior, and Versace. CVS provides convenient shopping options, allowing customers to purchase colognes online or in-store. They also offer same-day pickup for added convenience.

Macy's

Macy's is a well-known department store that offers a vast assortment of colognes and grooming products for men. They carry designer brands such as Chanel, Armani, Dior, Gucci, and more. Macy's provides free shipping on orders over $25 and offers gift sets and value packs, making it a great option for those looking for a complete grooming experience.

Frequently asked questions