SHANGHAI — Le Labo‘s first China store opened last week in a stand-alone shikumen constructing in Xintiandi, a retail hot spot in downtown Shanghai.

The 2-story constructing, a former historical Shikumen “Open House” Museum that showcased the life-style of Old Shanghainese within the Twenties, was transformed by the Estée Lauder Cos.-owned fragrance brand right into a Le Labo flagship, which showcases a big selection of Le Labo products and likewise boasts a vegan bakery and café.

Staying consistent with Le Labo’s vintage-inspired wabi-sabi retail aesthetic, the shop preserves the constructing’s original picket ceiling and embellished window panels while displaying curiosities reminiscent of an old rotary telephone, a vintage protected and a typewriter.

On the primary floor, purposely distressed tiled partitions, vintage cabinets and a bathtub-turned washing sink, coupled with subdued lighting emanating from vintage lightbulbs, complete the shop’s crafty interior. 

Seventeen of the brand’s 19 signature scents, body, hair care and skincare products, in addition to the brand’s bestselling candles, can be found within the Shanghai store.

Guests walking as much as the second floor are welcomed by “The Fragrance Organ,” a corner recreating the Le Labo perfumers’ workstation. The vegan café and a reading area, featuring plush couches and titles that inspired the Le Labo aesthetic, complete the second floor. 

Known for its freshly poured perfumes, Le Labo continues to be awaiting the local fire department’s approval before the Shanghai store sales associates, or “Souls,” can execute the ritualistic sealing process.

“The introduction of Le Labo, a well known perfume brand, will further enrich and strengthen the brand matrix of Le Labo in China,” said Jiayu Fan, president and chief executive officer of Le Labo China.

“We’re confident that the brand will grow to be an engine of growth for Estée Lauder Cos. within the perfume sector and for the general business,” Fan added.

For Estée Lauder — which saw its net sales decline 12 percent year-over-year to $3.75 billion within the third quarter ending March 31, citing slow travel retail recovery — has found a vibrant spot within the fragrance segment, which incorporates Jo Malone London, Le Labo, and products from Tom Ford Beauty. The segment managed to deliver double-digit growth within the March period. 

Le Labo was founded in 2006 by Eddie Roschi and Fabrice Penot in downtown Latest York before being acquired by Estée Lauder in 2014. 

The cult perfumer currently boosts 78 boutiques and greater than 385 points-of-sale in greater than 43 countries.