Technology

Coty piloting digital touchless fragrance device

July 15, 2021

Beauty retailer Coty Inc. is rolling out a touchless fragrance tester within the next year and testing is starting this summer in key European markets with a trial program planned in Asia next year.

The tester is a smart device that lets retailers get access to usage data to optimize product positioning and customer experience, according to a press release. It was developed with Everie, a startup that specializes in smart devices, micro-dosing and diffusion technologies.

The fragrance testing innovation will reduce the amount of fragrance waste and increase the lifespan of tester bottles, according to Coty.

The fragrance tester gives customers complete control over fragrance discovery in store. While spray testers oversaturate the air, overwhelming the senses and surrounding environment, this device just delivers a single droplet of liquid to an arm or a blotter, offering customers a less invasive testing experience.

The device can operate for weeks without a battery recharge and reduces perfume loss compared to traditional testers. It will be compatible with all Coty's fragrance testers and can be uniquely personalized to each of Coty's brands, according to the release.

"Coty's touchless fragrance tester is a breakthrough innovation developed in partnership with Êverie. With the return of in-person shopping, the health and safety of our consumers are always at the forefront of our minds. Deploying a single drop of liquid to the skin with the same restitution as traditional testers, this new technology eliminates unnecessary waste and offers a safe, contact-free alternative for testing," Claire Catherine-Mercier, vice president retail experience, said in the release.