
Hollister stores are known for their distinctive scent, which is created by spraying a combination of fragrances every 30 minutes to an hour. While the exact scent is a closely guarded secret, some believe that it resembles an ambery, tobacco-y, warm, sexual scent. Hollister's signature fragrance is thought to be a combination of their own perfumes, with some suggesting that Hollister Socal for Men, Hollister Malaia, and Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce are key components of the iconic store scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Store perfume name | SoCal Room Spritz |
| Bottle description | Tall, clear bottle with grey letters |
| Scent | Ambery, tobacco-y, warm, and sexual |
| Price | $7-10 per ounce in-store, $30+ per ounce on eBay |
| Alternative perfumes | Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, Hollister Socal for Men, Malaia |
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What You'll Learn

Hollister's signature scent is called SoCal
The scent is also available as a cologne and a perfume. It is cheaper to buy the cologne or perfume than the room spray, as the scent lasts longer. The cologne is preferred by some over the perfume.
Hollister sprays the scent in their stores every hour, and the staff are trained to go around spraying the fragrance every 30 minutes. The scent is also sprayed on the mannequins.
Some people find the scent offensive due to it being oversprayed in the stores. However, others enjoy the scent and find it delicious.
In addition to SoCal, Hollister also sells other fragrances. One of their most popular perfumes in the early 2000s was called Malaia. The packaging has changed, but the scent remains the same.
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SoCal is a cologne, not a perfume
The signature scent of Hollister stores is a fragrance called SoCal. It is a cologne, not a perfume, and is spritzed around the stores every hour.
SoCal is a unique scent that Hollister uses to promote its brand image. It is described as a "sexy", "warm", and "ambery tobacco-y" scent. The fragrance is so popular that some people have tried to buy the room spray version of SoCal on eBay, although it is not officially sold there.
Hollister employees are trained to spray the fragrance on the mannequins and around the store every 30 minutes. The scent is a combination of the various perfumes and colognes that Hollister offers, including Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, which was popular in the early 2000s.
The SoCal cologne is available for purchase at Hollister stores. It is a better option than buying the room spray, as the cologne has a longer-lasting scent and is more affordable.
While some people find the scent of Hollister stores offensive, others find it appealing and enjoy the experience of walking into a store that smells like SoCal. The scent is a unique aspect of the Hollister brand and has become a signature of the shopping experience for many customers.
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You can buy SoCal in-store
SoCal, the fragrance of Southern California, is available for purchase in-store at Hollister. The scent is described as clean, fresh, and masculine, embodying the laid-back beach lifestyle of Southern California. It is a unique fragrance that has gained popularity, with some describing it as a masterpiece of perfumery.
The cologne version, SoCal for Men, has a sweet honey sugary vibe that dries down to a soothing cream scent. It is perfect for spring and summer days, and its longevity, sillage, concentration, and scent are highly rated by many. The women's version, SoCal Perfume, has notes of tangerine and pink magnolia, creating a bright, citrus scent.
You can purchase SoCal in 50ml (1.7oz) or 75ml (2.5oz) bottles, and it is available for in-store exchange or return. Buying SoCal in-store is a convenient option, and you can also take advantage of the store's exchange and return policy if needed.
In addition to the cologne and perfume, Hollister also offers a SoCal room spritz, which is used in their stores. While the room spritz is not available for purchase in stores, some people opt to buy it on eBay. However, it is important to note that buying the actual SoCal fragrance is more cost-effective and provides better longevity.
SoCal by Hollister is a beloved fragrance that captures the essence of Southern California. Its availability in-store makes it easily accessible, allowing customers to experience the scent firsthand and decide if it suits their preferences.
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Abercrombie & Fitch's Fierce cologne is similar
The signature scent of Hollister stores is reportedly called SoCal. However, the Hollister store scent is not available for purchase. Instead, customers are encouraged to buy the SoCal cologne, which is cheaper and longer-lasting than the room spray.
Many people associate the scent of Fierce with the Abercrombie & Fitch stores of the 2000s. One person described the scent as "pure nostalgia," instantly transporting them back to the mall and the distinctive atmosphere of the store. Fierce is also noted for its longevity and ability to turn heads, receiving compliments from both men and women.
In addition to Fierce, other colognes that are similar to the Hollister store scent include Hollister's own Jake cologne and Drift, which was reportedly used as the store scent by some Hollister stores.
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Hollister sprays the scent on its mannequins
Hollister is known for spraying its signature scent in stores, evoking a unique olfactory experience for shoppers. This practice has sparked curiosity among customers, with many seeking to identify the mysterious fragrance that fills the air as they browse.
The scent that Hollister sprays on its mannequins and in its stores is a closely guarded secret, but some believe it to be similar to their "SoCal" cologne. Former employees have revealed that the fragrance is labelled as "SoCal Room Spritz" and comes in tall clear bottles with grey lettering. This room spray is specifically formulated for in-store use and is not sold in Hollister stores, but it can be found on eBay, although some employees have warned against purchasing it there.
The scent has become an iconic part of the Hollister brand, with some customers recalling how it evoked a sense of nostalgia for their teenage years in the early 2000s. The fragrance is so powerful that it can transport people back in time and elicit fond memories associated with the store.
While the exact formula of the room spray remains a tightly held secret, some have speculated about its composition. One former employee recalled that the spritz bottles had hazard labels, indicating potential safety concerns. However, the intriguing scent continues to captivate customers, leaving them eager to uncover the mystery behind Hollister's signature fragrance.
The scent has become such a pivotal part of the Hollister experience that some customers have expressed a desire to recreate it in their own homes. Some have even gone as far as to purchase the room spray on eBay, despite employees advising against it. The allure of recapturing the Hollister fragrance has led to a mini-community of scent detectives, all seeking to unravel the enigma of this captivating aroma.
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Frequently asked questions
Hollister uses its own signature scent in stores, which is called SoCal. You can buy it on eBay for around $50 to $80 a bottle.
Hollister Socal for Men, Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, and Malaia (a popular Hollister perfume from the early 2000s) are said to smell similar to the signature scent of Hollister stores.
Aside from eBay, you can find these perfumes in Hollister stores or on the Abercrombie & Fitch website.
The scent has been described as "sexy," "warm," "ambery," and "tobacco-y."
The staff are trained to spray the fragrance every 30 minutes or so.










































