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210-Year-Old Perfume Shop Blends Tradition and Tech
27 Oct
Summary
- A family-run perfume business in Delhi is over two centuries old.
- The shop uses the traditional Deg-Bhapka method for attar making.
- The business is now expanding its reach through online sales.
In the heart of Delhi's Chandni Chowk, a perfume business founded in 1816 continues to thrive, now for over two centuries. Gulab Singh Johri Mal, operating from the same Old Delhi address for 210 years, has masterfully combined traditional attar-making with a modern digital strategy. The family business, initiated towards the end of the Mughal era, has been passed down through eight generations.
The perfumery still employs the age-old Deg-Bhapka hydro-distillation method to create its signature fragrances. This intricate process involves heating flowers and water in a copper vessel, with the resulting steam condensing into sandalwood oil. Their collection boasts a vast array of scents, from classic rose and jasmine to oudh, alongside various incense products and room fresheners.
Adapting to evolving customer tastes, the business has expanded its offerings beyond its initial signature scents. Recognizing the demand for lighter fragrances and specific styles, the family has developed new perfumes. The eighth generation is now spearheading the company's online expansion, utilizing e-commerce to showcase its extensive collection and reach a wider audience.
This historic establishment preserves its heritage through antique shop fittings and Belgian-cut glass bottles, while embracing the future with an active online presence. Through curated fragrance discovery sets and a user-friendly website, Gulab Singh Johri Mal is making its centuries-old craft accessible to customers globally.
