Aesop

Traipsing after a late Sunday brunch and belly and heart both full, I came across an Aesop store. A design group I follow had done a focus piece on Aesop's branding notes, and I happened to be nearby, so I walked in from sheer curiosity.

I stepped into the dark yet softly-lit haven with the rays of the sun peeking through, and my senses became awash in the woodsy fragrance permeating the space.

What brought you in today, asked a cheery voice; I mentioned the brand focus, and the associate indulged me in an overview of the store concept and how each of the Aesop stores are different because each works with local architects. The Galleria store apparently borrows from NASA themes, cavernous, curvaceous, and white, and this particular store in the Heights inside a mid-century building houses fabric drapes and a table of the same era. He even went onto show me the gift boxes and their various curves and edges modeled after some of their flagship stores around the globe - and how their colors stack to model the sunrise. Product packaging to store exhibit, all while encompassing brand identity A how streamlined and beautiful is that?

Tyler, as I learned was his name, then became my guide through the woods, the florals, the citrus. I had only known of hand soaps at Aesop, which I was able to try at the sink. Apparently there's a whole world more of:
- Hand and body creams
- Personal fragrance
- Home fragrance: room sprays and incense
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Shaving products
- Mouthwash and toothpaste
- Skincare products

Of these, I took an immediate interest in the fragrance and skincare lines, even more so after Tyler said Aesop has a presence in Korea (talk about a cutthroat skincare market - if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere). He asked questions about my regimen and made recommendations that showed he was clearly knowledgeable, then offered samples to try at home, with a kind acknowledgment - "I know it's a lot to take in, and I would like for you to try and see which products you like at home." It's one thing to offer samples, and it's another thing to really look out for one's experience, and Tyler accomplished the latter. It's extra-impressive that he was informative and engaging without being pushy. Talk about the epitome of the ideal shopping experience.

Among the samples that he offered that I was also able to try in store, I really liked the feel of the masque, and ended up getting the vitamin C serum (because, who doesn't want more vitamin c serum?). Knowing that it's shelf-stable also was a nice touch.

So step in - don't be overwhelmed by the product lines or intimidated by the minimalist layout. Take in the ambience, enjoy its offerings for yourself or someone dear, and see what draws you in. And if you're lucky enough to meet Tyler, you'll be in good hands, and you, too, may walk out an Aesop lifer - or at the very least refreshed with a sillage of Tacit trailing you.

Tyler was excellent from the moment we stepped and left. Tyler, on his own, was such a pleasant experience. The products are unique, but the personable shoping
experience sent me over the top!

Great service! I love aesop scents and recently learned they have essential oils. I havent tried essential oils in the past but the aesop rep gave me a quick crash course. Excited to use these.

Always helpful staff and my favorite product of skin/body care.

This is hands down my favorite store. The employees always make you feel welcomed and will take the time to explain the products to you!

I visited the store on 07/10 and had an incredible shopping experience. Tyler was very polite, efficient and extremely knowledgeable on the product. He made the right recommendations and made me feel comfortable. I’m definitely coming back to this location. Thank you!!!

I stopped in on a whim recently to see if they had any hair products that could help with an itchy/flaky scalp and received great customer service and a great product to try! I've been using their scalp oil for about a week and I can already tell a difference. They gave me plenty of samples, so I'll also be trying the calming shampoo soon. I will definitely be back to try more products in the future!

This store smells spectacular and the staff is so friendly and helpful. My skin is super sensitive, and this is the only soap I've never had a problem with.

We stepped into Aesop Heights Mercantile and had such a great and educational visit. Their team member Che Viette showed and reviewed a few products with such knowledge that I wanted to purchase every item we tried. It’s just such a refreshing experience to step into a skincare store and have a team member actually step out from behind the counter to interact. As if Aesop’s products weren’t good enough, their representatives take it to the next level.

Rachel always makes my visit a pleasant experience, I love the store and the products are amazing. I am apprehensive about some of the stores in this area and the way they approach POC like myself, but this store is welcoming and both attendants are very warm.

Love Aesop products and the staff is always fantastic.

Outstanding service!!! Tyler is extremely patience, knowledgeable, and well-known the clients.
Definitely will come back and already recommended to my friends and family.

Amazing experience - Tyler helped us find the perfect product and sent us with many samples. Look forward to coming back!

Easily one of my favorite face, body and home product stores. The smells are heavenly. Products effective. One of my favorite options for gift giving.

Rachel was lovely and provided some samples that I could try at home. Will definitely come again.

Helpful staff and the products are very nice. Trying out some face care products and am a big fan of Hwyl!

The sales people here are wonderful and very educational. More free testers would have been nice though!

Total sanctuary. Love the clean, balanced and luxurious products - like heaven in a package. Highly recommend.

Very knowledgeable and willing to take time and discuss their items.

Love this line of face products. Keeps my skin supple and glowing.