241 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA
### Introduction / Overview
For New Yorkers with a discerning nose and an appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship, Le Labo at 233 Elizabeth Street holds a special place. This isn't merely a "clothing store," but rather the very first "lab" and original boutique of the globally renowned fragrance house, founded right here in New York City in 2006. Stepping into this Nolita location is to step into the brand's history, a unique experience that blends the raw, industrial aesthetic of a laboratory with the sophisticated artistry of high perfumery.
Le Labo set out to revolutionize the fragrance industry by returning to the "near-forgotten roots of slower perfumery," where each fragrance is freshly hand-blended and hand-assembled right in front of the customer. This commitment to a bespoke, made-to-order approach ensures unparalleled freshness and a personal connection to each bottle. While famous for its genderless perfumes and candles, Le Labo also offers a range of sensorial formulas for body, hair, and face, as well as grooming products. The Elizabeth Street store provides an immersive dive into this philosophy, offering not just a product, but an experience that, as one customer delightfully put it, feels "homey" and welcoming, thanks to attentive and friendly staff like Kossivi. For locals and visitors alike, it's a must-visit to explore iconic scents like Santal 33, Lys 41, and even the New York City exclusive, Tubereuse 40, making it a true landmark in NYC's vibrant beauty landscape.
### Location and Accessibility
Le Labo's original New York City boutique is perfectly situated at 233 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This address places it in the charming and fashionable Nolita (North of Little Italy) neighborhood, just bordering SoHo, known for its cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, trendy cafes, and artistic vibe. It's a prime location that embodies the brand's unique blend of sophistication and an unpretentious, craft-focused approach.
The Elizabeth Street location is highly accessible for New Yorkers relying on public transportation. It's within comfortable walking distance of several major subway lines, including:
Broadway-Lafayette Street (B, D, F, M trains)
Bleecker Street (6 train)
Prince Street (N, R, W trains)
### Services Offered
Fresh Hand-Blended Perfumes: The core service involves freshly blending and hand-assembling each fragrance in-store, right in front of the customer, upon purchase. This ensures maximum freshness and a unique, personalized experience.
Personalized Labeling: Customers can have their chosen fragrance bottle personalized with their name or a short custom message printed on the label, adding a unique touch to their purchase.
Refill Service with Discount: Le Labo offers a 20% discount on refills of their perfume bottles, encouraging sustainability and rewarding loyal customers.
Extensive Fragrance Library: Offering a wide range of genderless Eau de Parfum scents, including iconic fragrances like Santal 33, Rose 31, and Lys 41, as well as the New York City exclusive, Tubereuse 40.
Candles & Home Fragrances: A selection of artisanal candles and room fragrances to scent living spaces, maintaining the brand's signature olfactory profiles.
Body, Hair & Face Care: A comprehensive line of sensorial formulas for personal care, including hand pomades (like the highly-praised basil hand pomade), shower gels, lotions, oils, and grooming products.
Expert Staff Consultation: Knowledgeable and attentive staff provide information and recommendations on products, guiding customers through the scent families and helping them find their ideal fragrance without pressure.
Discovery Sets: Opportunities to purchase sample sets to explore various scents before committing to a full bottle.
### Features / Highlights
The Original Le Labo Boutique: This Elizabeth Street location is significant as the brand's very first store, where the concept of "slow perfumery" was born and developed in New York City.
In-Store Fresh Blending: A unique and transparent process where fragrances are mixed and bottled by hand at the moment of purchase, emphasizing freshness and an artisanal approach.
Personalized Experience: The ability to customize bottle labels with names or messages creates a highly personal and memorable keepsake.
Iconic and Distinctive Scents: Le Labo is renowned for creating globally recognized, sophisticated, and genderless fragrances that stand apart from mass-market perfumes, such as Santal 33 and Lys 41.
City Exclusive Fragrance (Tubereuse 40): The opportunity to purchase the New York City exclusive scent, Tubereuse 40, which is typically only available in its namesake city (except during annual global events), adds a unique allure for locals.
"Homey" and Welcoming Atmosphere: Despite its luxury status, customers often describe the store's vibe as friendly and inviting, with staff (like Kossivi) who treat visitors like friends rather than just customers.
High-Quality and Long-Lasting Products: Beyond perfumes, products like the hand pomade are praised for their excellent texture and long-lasting hydration, particularly beneficial for New York's varying weather.
Sustainable Refill Program: The 20% discount on refills promotes environmental consciousness and offers a tangible benefit to repeat customers.
### Promotions or Special Offers
Le Labo, as a luxury niche fragrance house, operates with a philosophy that prioritizes craftsmanship, quality, and a unique experience over frequent, broad-based discounts typically found at mass retailers. Their "promotions" are more subtle and integrated into their brand values, offering value through longevity, customization, and exclusive access. Here's what New Yorkers can consider regarding special offers:
20% Refill Discount: This is Le Labo's most consistent and significant "promotion." Customers who bring back their empty Le Labo bottles to any lab (including the Elizabeth Street location) for a refill receive a 20% discount on the fragrance. This encourages sustainability and rewards loyalty, providing a tangible long-term saving for committed users of their scents.
City Exclusive Access: While not a discount, the availability of the New York City exclusive fragrance, Tubereuse 40, year-round at this location is a major draw. These "City Exclusives" are highly coveted and generally only available in their respective cities, or for a limited global event period (typically August-September). For New Yorkers, having direct access to Tubereuse 40 on Elizabeth Street is a unique perk.
Personalized Labeling: The complimentary personalization of labels with names or messages upon blending is a unique value add. It transforms a bottle of perfume into a personalized keepsake or a thoughtful, unique gift, enhancing its perceived value without an extra cost.
Discovery Sets: While a purchase, the availability of smaller discovery sets allows customers to explore multiple scents at a lower initial investment, helping them find their perfect fragrance before committing to a full-sized bottle. This mitigates risk and offers a "try before you buy" approach to their premium products.
Loyalty & Customer Relationship: As noted in customer reviews, the staff's welcoming nature and ability to treat customers "as friends" fosters a strong sense of loyalty. While not a formal program, this exceptional service encourages repeat visits and builds a long-term relationship, which for many New Yorkers, is more valuable than a fleeting discount.
It's important to note that Le Labo generally does not participate in typical retail sales events like Black Friday or seasonal clearances. Their pricing reflects the artisanal nature of their products and the unique in-store blending experience. For New Yorkers looking for actual price reductions, the refill program is the primary and most reliable avenue.
### Contact Information
To immerse yourself in the world of Le Labo, explore their unique fragrances, or inquire about their special blending process, you can reach their original New York City boutique using the following contact details:
Address: 233 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 219-2230
Mobile Phone: +1 212-219-2230
It is recommended to call ahead for specific product availability, especially for popular items or if you are looking for a personalized blending experience during peak hours. The attentive staff will be happy to assist you in planning your visit to this iconic fragrance destination.
### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For New Yorkers, Le Labo on Elizabeth Street is not just a place to buy fragrance; it's an indispensable part of the city's unique cultural and retail landscape, offering an experience perfectly suited to the local sensibility. Its status as the brand's original "lab" and birthplace of its renowned "slow perfumery" philosophy makes it a local landmark, connecting residents directly to the origins of a global phenomenon. New Yorkers, who value authenticity and unique craftsmanship, will appreciate the transparency of the in-store blending process, where each perfume is freshly prepared before their eyes, embodying a commitment to quality that transcends typical mass-market offerings.
The personalized experience, from the friendly and welcoming staff (like Kossivi) who treat customers like friends, to the option of custom-labeled bottles, resonates strongly with a city that thrives on individuality. This bespoke approach allows New Yorkers to own a scent that feels truly unique and personal. Furthermore, the accessibility of the New York City exclusive fragrance, Tubereuse 40, year-round at this location provides a special connection to the city itself, offering a signature scent that celebrates local identity.
Beyond the allure of unique fragrances like Santal 33, the practical benefit of the 20% refill discount offers a compelling reason for repeat visits, appealing to the pragmatic side of New Yorkers who appreciate value and sustainability. Located in the heart of fashionable Nolita, it's easily reachable by public transit and integrates seamlessly into a day of exploring downtown's vibrant scene. For those who seek high-quality, artisanal products and a shopping experience that feels both luxurious and genuinely personal, Le Labo on Elizabeth Street is an essential and cherished local destination.