1157 Santee St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
For individuals and businesses across California seeking a vast selection of fragrances and cosmetics, General Perfume Store in Downtown Los Angeles presents itself as a significant player in the beauty industry. Established in 1986, this long-standing establishment is primarily known as General Perfume & Cosmetic Distributors, Inc., serving as a major distributor of perfumes and cosmetics rather than a typical walk-in retail "clothing store" as the prompt might mistakenly suggest. Operating out of a substantial facility in downtown Los Angeles, they pride themselves on a plentiful inventory and product variety, carrying over 300 brands and over 8000 products. This makes them a potential hub for retailers and wholesalers, as well as individual consumers looking for a wide array of scent options.
While their extensive product range and competitive pricing are often highlighted, recent customer experiences offer a mixed perspective on the in-store customer service. One reviewer expressed a deeply negative experience, stating, "Please take your money somewhere else. The Hispanic man and woman working here as of 5/22/25 have the most repulsive attitudes in customer service, I have ever witnessed." This individual described a "dismissive attitude" and feeling "agitated" when asking questions. Such feedback suggests inconsistencies in customer interaction, which is crucial for any business. Conversely, another review noted a "friendly environment" and "good prices," offering a contrasting view and indicating that experiences can vary. This highlights the importance for potential customers in California to consider their priorities when visiting General Perfume Store: an extensive product range and potentially good prices, balanced against recent concerns regarding direct customer service interactions. Ultimately, General Perfume Store remains a noteworthy presence in the Los Angeles fragrance landscape, particularly for those seeking a broad inventory of perfumes and cosmetics.
General Perfume Store is conveniently located in the bustling heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 1162 Main St #2541, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA. This address places it within the renowned LA Fashion District, a vibrant commercial hub that attracts a diverse range of businesses and shoppers. Its central location makes it highly accessible for individuals and businesses across Los Angeles and the wider Southern California region.
Being situated in a densely commercial area, the store benefits from proximity to major thoroughfares and public transportation options. While street parking in Downtown LA can be competitive, numerous paid parking lots and garages are typically available in the vicinity. The Fashion District is also well-served by various Metro bus lines and is within walking distance of several Metro rail stations, connecting it to other parts of the city. This accessibility makes it a practical destination for wholesale buyers, retailers, and individual customers who travel to the district for business or shopping. Navigating the Fashion District can be a lively experience, reflecting the dynamic commercial energy of Downtown Los Angeles, and General Perfume Store is an integral part of this vibrant landscape, providing a central point for fragrance sourcing.
General Perfume Store, operating as General Perfume & Cosmetic Distributors, Inc., primarily functions as a large-scale distributor and supplier of fragrances and cosmetics. Their services are geared towards facilitating the wholesale and retail trade of beauty products, in addition to serving individual customers. Their comprehensive offerings include:
Extensive Fragrance Inventory: They boast a "plentiful inventory" of over 8000 products, encompassing a wide range of perfumes and colognes for men and women from over 300 brands. This includes popular designer fragrances as well as potentially more general or "Q Version" perfumes as seen in some search results, catering to diverse preferences and price points.
Cosmetic Products: In addition to perfumes, they distribute a variety of cosmetic items, providing a broader range of beauty supplies to their clients.
Wholesale Distribution: A core service, General Perfume distributes to wholesalers and retailers both domestically and internationally. This makes them a key supplier for other businesses in the beauty industry looking to stock their shelves.
Competitive Pricing: As a large distributor, they aim to deliver "highest quality products at competitive rates," which can be a significant advantage for businesses and individual consumers seeking value.
Variety of Fragrance Types: Their inventory covers various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, oriental, woody, fruity, aromatic, and gourmand notes, ensuring a comprehensive selection for different tastes and preferences.
Efficient Service: Their operations emphasize "efficiency and care" in delivering products, which is crucial for their business clients.
In-Store Shopping: While primarily a distributor, the physical store allows individual customers to browse and purchase directly, as indicated by customer reviews.
General Perfume Store offers several key features that position it as a notable entity within the Los Angeles fragrance and beauty market, particularly for its extensive offerings:
Vast and Diverse Inventory: A standout feature is their sheer volume of products. With "over 300 brands and over 8000 products on site," they are a one-stop shop for a wide array of perfumes, colognes, and cosmetics, offering unparalleled choice to both individual buyers and businesses. This extensive selection means customers are likely to find specific fragrances they are looking for, or discover new ones.
Established Industry Presence: Having been "serving the beauty industry for over 30 years," since 1986, General Perfume has built a long-standing reputation as a reliable distributor. This longevity suggests a robust operation and deep industry connections, positioning them as a trusted source for bulk and variety purchases.
Competitive Pricing Structure: Their business model is centered on providing "competitive rates," which can translate into significant savings for customers, especially for larger or wholesale orders. This makes them an attractive option for those looking for value in their fragrance and cosmetic acquisitions.
Strategic Downtown LA Location: Being located in the LA Fashion District, a commercial hub, offers a strategic advantage. It's easily accessible for businesses and individuals engaged in trade or shopping within the district, contributing to their efficiency as a distributor.
Distribution Capabilities: Operating out of a 50,000 sq. ft. facility, they are equipped to handle large-scale domestic and international distribution, which is a testament to their capacity and reliability as a major supplier in the West.
Mixed Customer Service Experience (Noteworthy for Reviewers): While not universally positive, the varying customer reviews regarding service are a distinct characteristic. While one noted a "friendly environment," another highlighted "repulsive attitudes." This mixed feedback is a key highlight that potential customers should be aware of when considering a visit.
As a business that primarily functions as a distributor to wholesalers and retailers, General Perfume Store's "promotions" often align with B2B models, focusing on competitive pricing for bulk purchases and efficiency rather than typical consumer-facing sales. However, individual shoppers may still benefit from their operational model. Here's what customers in California might expect or infer regarding promotions and offers:
Wholesale Pricing: For businesses and bulk buyers, the fundamental "promotion" is the ability to purchase products at wholesale rates. This allows retailers to secure inventory at a lower cost, which is crucial for their profitability.
Competitive Rates: General Perfume Store explicitly states they deliver "highest quality products at competitive rates." This commitment to competitive pricing is an ongoing advantage, making their base prices often more attractive than standard retail, effectively acting as a continuous "discount."
Volume Discounts: While not explicitly detailed, it is common for distributors of this size to offer tiered pricing or additional discounts for very large orders, incentivizing bulk purchases from their clients.
Broad Inventory as Value: The sheer breadth of their 8000+ products means customers can consolidate their sourcing, potentially saving on time and separate shipping/travel costs from multiple vendors. This "one-stop-shop" convenience is a form of value for their business clients.
Clearance or Closeout Sales (Potential): Like any large distributor, they may periodically have clearance events or closeout sales to move older inventory or overstocked items. These would offer deeper discounts on specific brands or products, appealing to both businesses and savvy individual shoppers looking for extreme deals. However, these are typically not widely advertised to the general public in a traditional retail sense.
Efficiency and Reliability: For businesses, efficient delivery and a reliable supply chain are paramount. General Perfume's focus on "efficiency and care" in delivery can be considered a service promotion, as it helps their clients manage their own inventory and sales effectively.
Individual customers visiting the store might find that the standard pricing is already lower than what they would encounter at traditional retail outlets due to the store's wholesale-oriented model. For specific offers or to inquire about bulk pricing, it is advisable to contact the store directly.
For individuals or businesses in California interested in connecting with General Perfume Store in Downtown Los Angeles, here is their contact information:
Address: 1162 Main St #2541, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Phone: (213) 746-0133
Mobile Phone: +1 213-746-0133
According to public information, their business hours are typically Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays. For further details on their full product portfolio or to explore their wholesale services, their official website, generalperfume.com, can provide more comprehensive information.
For residents and businesses across California, General Perfume Store in Downtown Los Angeles holds a unique position in the fragrance and beauty market. Its suitability for locals, particularly those seeking a vast selection and competitive pricing, is evident through its operational model, despite some mixed feedback on direct customer service.
Firstly, the sheer breadth of their inventory, boasting "over 300 brands and over 8000 products," makes it an unparalleled resource for Californians. Whether you're an individual looking for a specific designer fragrance that might be hard to find elsewhere, or a small business needing to stock a diverse range of products, General Perfume Store's extensive collection provides an advantage that few traditional retail stores can match. This vast selection means locals have access to a wide array of scents and cosmetic items, catering to every taste and need.
Secondly, the promise of "competitive rates" is a significant draw. For budget-conscious Californians or local businesses aiming for better margins, the pricing structure, inherently geared towards wholesale, can offer substantial savings compared to standard retail prices. This value proposition is a compelling reason for many to consider General Perfume Store as their go-to source for fragrances and cosmetics, allowing them to stretch their dollars further.
While recent customer service experiences may vary, as highlighted by some reviews, the core benefits of wide selection and competitive pricing remain. Savvy shoppers or business owners who prioritize product availability and cost-effectiveness might find General Perfume Store to be an invaluable resource. Its long-standing presence since 1986 further reinforces its reliability and established role within the Los Angeles beauty distribution landscape.
In essence, General Perfume Store is suitable for Californians who prioritize an extensive product range and competitive wholesale-oriented pricing for their fragrance and cosmetic needs, making it a valuable, albeit distinct, shopping destination in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.