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August 2023 by Ruth B
The gentleman running the shop was unwelcoming and standoffish. When I walked in he looked at me and he didn’t try to engage in any kind of conversation. He said nothing to me until I walked around a little bit, unsure of whether to ask for help, since the perfumes are behind glass doors (I wanted to smell some of them) and then he FINALLY offered to answer any questions I had. Even when I asked questions about different fragrances he had, he seemed uninterested in answering me so I just ended up leaving.
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April 2023 by Jude He
I had an unpleasant experience here. I asked to see a perfume and the gentleman working there barely helped me, didn't try to have a conversation or find out anything about what I wanted. Then I walked around the store while looking at my phone a few times, and on my way out he accosted me and accused me of "shop malling". I replied that even though I didn't find anything I wanted to buy, they had a nice selection of stuff and I might be back. He scoffed at me and said in a sarcastic tone "I won't be holding my breath."It's unacceptable to treat customers this way. The funny thing is I did think it was a nice store and worth going back -- but not if the service is so nasty.
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April 2023 by mary slocum
Maybe it should be called Caustic Drug instead. The proprietor was haughty, dismissive and unwelcoming. It's unfortunate because there is an eclectic array of high-end curated beauty and grooming products.
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April 2023 by Yixing H.
I had a bad experience here. I came looking for a particular perfume (Jicky by Guerlain), asked the gentleman there and he showed me a bottle. I asked whether I could test it and was told no. I have only smelled old bottles of Jicky -- I don't know what the current version smells like. Without trying, I couldn't decide whether to buy it, so I gave the perfume back and told him I'd think about it. They were selling it for $145, same as retail. I then had a walk around browsing the store. Once or twice I saw something I hadn't heard of and I took out my phone to Google it. I'm a bit socially awkward and I sometimes prefer to read about things online instead of bothering someone with questions. I went to the door and told the gentleman at the counter thanks and good bye. He said to me, "so I'm curious, were you just shop malling me or what?" I'd never heard that term and asked what he meant. He said, "You look at our boxes and then you look the prices up on your phone -- that's shop malling." I said that I was really mostly interested in the Guerlain perfume, and if they'd had a deal on it I would have taken it. But they didn't and plus, I'm not going to shell out $145 for a perfume if I can't try it. He said to me sarcastically, "Support local businesses, huh." I replied, "Well, I still might be back, you have some good stuff." And he said, "I won't hold my breath." It's not nice to be snippy with a customer who's just coming in to have a browse. And the "shop malling" accusation came out of nowhere too (just because I was walking around and looking at my phone?). The funny thing is, I would gladly pay retail price for something or even a bit more to support a local business run by nice folks -- keyword here is nice.
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March 2023 by Claire N.
Service was so good. I love Kathy and I would honestly probably go back. I stood there for about 10 minutes and all the samples she gave me were super spot-on. But when I got home, I did a little research and learned that the perfume I bought for 70 dollars goes for 30 online, MAX. I guess I don't regret it that much because it's a gift and I like supporting local stores, but she had me thinking I got something rare for a good price. Turns out it's the opposite; they even sell it on amazon. I'm sure she would've told me if I asked, so just make sure you ask a few questions about the perfumes! Some of them are actually rare. Others, it seems, are not.
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August 2022 by CJ P.
For decades I was a regular customer at this shop of shops...the best collection of men's colognes, products. Then, more than 12 years ago, they were gone. I was crushed...it was an attachment. As a monk I've made sacrifices, and I have vows but none compared to relinquishing my colognes. It's all about the senses. To know that they simply moved, are still there and were just blocks from where I lived in Newton Upper Falls is almost traumatic. I will certainly have to visit soon.
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March 2022 by Ms. Ainee C. Beland
I have been a follower of Colonial Drug for decades and I hope to that they will continue to be around longer still! I am sorry to have not been around of late but I am home bound. Take care of yourself JP and thank you for listening.
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January 2022 by Michael DiBona Sr
Very disappointed in this place. I spent 375.00 dollars on women's products. My wife decided to surprise me with a gift that really would not work for me. Tried to return and absolutely refused. It was a in box never used. I will never shop again and I will go out of my way to let as many people as I can to do so . I drive for Uber and Lyft and I talk to so many people in Boston, Watertown, Revere, Chestnut Hill. Brookline Downtown Boston I was Driver of the year for LyftI will make sure this owner received many responses.
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December 2021 by L D.
This is one of my favorite stores ever. It has an old-timey quality and sells wonderful products. For instance, if you need a present for someone and want beautiful- smelling soaps, this is the place. The kind proprietor will even wrap it for you! It's the best store for perfume. Well worth a visit.
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May 2021 by D M.
Was home visiting and thought I would buy some wet shaving. Items to leave at parents house. Can't fly with razors in carry on. Was just looking for a brush and some shaving soap. Really surprised at what I found in store and did make a few purchases. IKon B1 OC razor and a Plisson brush were unexpected finds. Great store and will be back.
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July 2020 by Serge Delisle
Hi Kathy this is Serge I now live in Rio de Janeiro how are you doing?My WhatsApp in Brazil is + 55 21 9 9730 1957....
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May 2019 by Michael J.
Just a few weeks ago I was lamenting the discovery that Colonial was gone from Harv Square. I assumed it had succumbed to online competition. Then, coincidentally, I discovered it had moved to within walking distance of where I live. I was thrilled. Or at least really really pleased. Kathy (Cathy?), one of the owners, gave my GF and I what amounted to a personal consultation and lesson in perfume history, theory, and classification, and helped us each determine what we actually liked (vs what we thought we liked). 500 online reviews could not compare to what I gained here. I'm sure you can find the products for less online - but I intend to support Colonial Drug with my business. It is more than worth it.
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May 2019 by Ramon Generoso
Have bought some items from them over the last 15 years I lived in Nee England. My wife and I are visiting our daughter in Boston this weekend and we’ were surprised they were no longer in Harvard Square. Took an $18 Uber ride to Newtown,, but the items we were looking for were not in stock. I have a couple of Plisson HMW horn handled brushes in size 12, and was looking for a larger (size 14) two band HMW brush. The gentleman showed me the only one they had, but it was a 3-band, which in that size would be floppier than I liked. As I was browsing around, I hear “Do you really think that third band would make a difference in your shave?” Well in my experience having used both, the two band is stiffer, and works better with soap particularly if you lather on your face, while the three band is softer which I prefer with cream, lathering in a bowl. Not just for Plisson, the same holds true for Rooney Finest and classic (Pre- Isle of Man) Simpsons. Well at least for the ones I have.
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March 2019 by Bob Francey
Great shaving supplies
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January 2019 by brielle8383
Most amazing place to find fabulous fragrances. Super helpful and friendly.