The best salespeople are great storytellers. This occurred to me the other day when I visited Le Comptoir de l'Homme, a Saint Germain store devoted to men's grooming products. It opened back in April, but I visited for the first time on Saturday. It was the perfect day to be a flaneur, with the deep blue skies and gentle warmth of late summer and a vague promise of autumn in the air.
Come to think of it, Promise of Autumn sounds like one of the fragrances on sale at the boutique. It also stocks all sorts of shaving foams, moisturisers, shampoos and pampering products. Originally I only went there for something to keep my hair under control. That was until I met Elisabeth.
A sophisticated lady, slightly older than myself, Elisabeth (pronounced "Elisabet" in the French manner) had obviously been recruited for her mixture of maternal wisdom and Parisian chic. Not only did she fix me up with a light grooming cream for my unruly hair (Leonor Greyl), but she also pitched several brands of fragrance: all while I happily sipped the expresso provided.
Storytelling was the key to her strategy. Talking of Hammam Bouquet from Penhaligon's, she told me that it was the favourite fragrance of the film director Franco Zeffirelli. He personally saved the firm from ruin when he heard it might be going out of business - thus depriving him of his signature scent. Another Penhaligon's favourite, Blenheim Bouquet, was worn by Winston Churchill, she added with a twinkle, having caught on to my accent.
Perhaps realising that anglomania was not my thing, she introduced me to a nice little French brand called Etat Libre d'Orange, which has terrifically bold packaging. Its Jasmine & Cigarette not only has a wonderful name, but it smells delightfully decadant: just the thing to wear of an evening with a smoking jacket and jeans. "Created for women but adored by men," Elisabeth assured me.
I also liked - and bought - Bergamote by The Different Company, the outfit created by Hermès "nose" Jean-Claude Ellena and his daughter Celine. Apart from the sublime scent, the thing that clinched the deal was the solid, angular class flacon designed by Thierry de Baschmakoff (according to Elisabeth).
Even once she racked up a sale, Elisabeth drew my attention to a range of shaving products from Baxter of California. "Once used by Steve McQueen," she added, casually, knowing the effect that icons of this nature have on men's wallets. I managed to get out of the door without cracking, still several euros lighter than I'd imagined when I entered.
And what's more, I'll be back.
great I was wondering if they had baxter as i ve been searching it for a while they don t stock it anymore in london and my man is hooked on their miraculous after shave balm so thanks!
also about a previous post check out FANTOMAS with jean marais the french james bond!
PS my boyf brother was a curator on lure of the east i will email him ur post...
Posted by: isa vintageflowers | September 20, 2008 at 06:55 PM
new razor for men to shave back of neck and upper body. I would like to send the author of this article a sample. let me know where to send.
Brian
Posted by: Brian S | November 19, 2008 at 04:37 PM