Coty reinvents fragrance sampling for a new era

NEW YORK – Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY), one of the world’s largest beauty companies and the global leader in fragrances, today announced the introduction of a digitally-enabled touch-less fragrance testing device intended for use at beauty retailers within the next 12 months. Real world testing of the units at brick & mortar retail stores begins this month in key European markets, followed by a planned trial in Asia later this year.

Coty’s touch-less fragrance tester is a digital innovation that gives customers the ultimate control over fragrance discovery in store. While spray testers oversaturate the air, overwhelming the senses and surrounding environment, this device delivers a single droplet of liquid directly to an arm or a blotter, offering customers a less invasive testing experience. It also uses data to allow Coty, in partnership with retailers, to optimize the placement of the testers and the customer experience by ensuring beauty advisors are on the spot when needed.

Coty is partnering with Êverie, a French start-up specializing in smart devices, micro-dosing and diffusion technologies, to bring Coty’s touch-less fragrance tester to life. A multidisciplinary group from Coty have worked alongside Êverie over the past year to develop a connected easy-to-maintain and sustainable device. This touch-less fragrance tester is able to work for weeks without a battery recharge and reduces perfume loss compared to traditional testers. It will be compatible with all Coty’s fragrance testers and can be uniquely personalized to each of Coty’s brands.

Claire Catherine-Mercier, Vice President Retail Experience, said:

“Coty’s touch-less fragrance tester is a breakthrough innovation developed in partnership with Êverie. With the return of in-person shopping, the health and safety of our consumers are always at the forefront of our minds. Deploying a single drop of liquid to the skin with the same restitution as traditional testers, this new technology eliminates unnecessary waste and offers a safe, contact-free alternative for testing.”

Today’s announcement comes as stores are re-opening around the world -and as hygiene and safety have become an integral part of the experience at brick & mortar retailers. The creation of a new touchless luxury ritual for testing will support those consumers that need to try perfume before buying, and ultimately will drive sales at stores.