What Do We Consider Before Launching a New Perfume?

Here at Pocket Scents HQ, launching a new perfume is not just a creative endeavour—it’s a meticulous process that involves thorough research, careful planning, and a deep understanding of market trends. Introducing a new fragrance carries significant financial risk, so we approach each launch much care and attention to detail. Below, we outline the key factors we consider before unveiling a new perfume:

1. Current Trends

Staying attuned to what’s trending in the perfume market is crucial. While we have our own ideas, ignoring market trends would be a mistake. For example, mango-scented perfumes and nostalgic fragrances reminiscent of the 1990s—such as Dior Dune, Calvin Klein Eternity, and Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio—are making a strong comeback. Recognising these trends allows us to cater to customer desires effectively. Stay tuned, as we plan to embrace these influences in our upcoming launches!

2. Customer Demand

Customer feedback often sparks inspiration. For instance, when we brought back beloved scents like Bloodaxe and Lisboa after overwhelming requests, the response was phenomenal. Sales for these fragrances have been exceptionally strong since their reintroduction in autumn 2024.

Another example is Lomond, a top-selling perfume previously crafted for Executive Shaving Company. Despite their closure, customer demand for this fragrance persists. As the original makers of Lomond, we’re thrilled to announce that a tribute version will be launching within the next 2-3 months. Listening to our customers ensures we remain responsive to their preferences.

3. Gender Preferences

Understanding gender-based fragrance preferences is another cornerstone of our process. Women generally favor floral, citrus, and fruity notes, while men are drawn to woody, citrus, and floral profiles. These insights guide us in developing fragrances that resonate with our diverse customer base. Ultimately, our goal is to create perfumes that align with what our customers love.

4. Seasonal Factors

Seasonality plays a pivotal role in the perfume market. Launching a heavy, oud-based fragrance in spring or a light, citrusy scent in autumn is unlikely to succeed. Perfume enthusiasts typically gravitate toward lighter, refreshing scents in spring and summer, and richer, woody, or oudy notes in autumn and winter. Our planning reflects these preferences. For instance, by January, we are already finalising plans for our autumn and winter launches, while spring and summer releases were mapped out months in advance.

5. Quality

Quality is at the heart of what we do. We strive to produce high-quality perfumes that meet the expectations of discerning customers. However, premium ingredients come at a premium price. To cater to different budgets, we introduced our Essentials Range, offering affordable options without compromising entirely on quality. While these perfumes may not rival our top-tier offerings like Purple Gourmand or Imperious Elixir, they provide excellent value for their price point.

6. Quantity

Scalability is essential to ensure the financial viability of new launches. Producing larger quantities lowers production costs, but it also means we must be confident in a perfume’s success. We aim to be at least 80% certain that each new fragrance will achieve financial success within its first year. This careful balancing act ensures we can continue creating perfumes while maintaining a sustainable business.

Conclusion

Launching a new perfume is a blend of art, science, and strategy. From monitoring trends and listening to customer feedback to considering quality, seasonality, and scalability, every step is designed to deliver exceptional fragrances that delight our customers. Your preferences inspire us, and your support drives us. Thank you for being part of this journey as we continue to craft the scents you love.