TROVE - The Exchange TRX — Local services in Kuala Lumpur

It started off with my husband and I just walking past Trove randomly yesterday when we saw Zoologist being displayed at the store. As both of us are fans of trying unconventional fragrances, it got us curious so we casually walked into the store. We were greeted with a clean, minimalist and luxurious ambiance and that’s when we met their sales rep Vanessa. After sniffing a few of the Zoologist bottles, it really gave us a different view on the collection and Vanessa was very accommodating to let us try and get-to-know some of the brands that Trove carries. I have to say, she’s one of the most knowledgeable people we’ve ever met when it comes to the world of perfumery. Her recommendations were all superb and she knows just how to recommend the most ideal perfumes based on longevity, budget and for the types of occasion to wear each fragrance.

After about an hour in the store, I settled with a bottle from The House of Oud called The Time. After spritzing it onto my skin to test the scent out, Vanessa was right: this scent lasts throughout our entire evening! Because I work in corporate, Vanessa recommended a few options to me and one of which was THoO’s The Time as this scent oozes calm. Definitely a great scent to wear for the office for sure! It’s so sophisticated and classy and such a unique scent. I only told Vanessa I wanted something with bergamot in the profile with great longevity for a good price, and this was it!😆

Overall, our entire experience at Trove has been truly memorable and eye-opening for the both of us. Big thank you to Vanessa and I highly recommend paying her and Trove a visit if you’re into trying niche brands and unconventional scents. We’ll definitely come back for more next time!👍🏻💕

PS: I only wished I had taken some photos of our store experience but I was so immersed during our visit that I completely forgot to do so😂 till...

Trove TRX is not the easiest place to find, even though it is right in the middle of a high-end mall. The exterior blends into the rest of the shopfronts, as if it is hiding from you. The layout feels as though someone took the inside of a seashell and added lights. Curves are everywhere. Displays make you feel as though you are about to uncover a contraband stash rather than perfume.

The selection is niche in the truest sense, the sort of things you will not find in duty free or at Sephora. They have the big cult names, of course, but also local offerings such as Malay Perfumery and rarities you would be hard-pressed to find outside the region. And it’s not static. the lineup changes with the seasons, so what you see in July might be gone by November. Translation: if you smell something you love, buy it now. Most hover around RM500, with the occasional four-figure bottle daring you to fall in love.

The staff are the real wildcard. Walk in and you will be acknowledged, sometimes warmly, sometimes as if they are checking you are not here to steal. Some hover as though you are in a jewellery shop, especially if you are the only customer; others give you breathing space. A few are masters of their craft, able to match a scent to your mood like a bartender mixing a drink you did not know you needed.

Still, the curation is impeccable, and if you know your notes (or are willing to let the right person guide you), you will leave smelling like ten different countries, with a bottle (or three) you did not...

PLEASE GET RID OF YOUR STAFF VANESSA! Disgustingly rude and unprofessional. Please educate her and teach her to have some respect. Right from the moment I entered, she had this look of disdain on her face and kept following me around the store like a dog. Didn’t let me shop in peace and just kept watching me closely like as if I was going to steal something . Really made me feel uncomfortable. Tried on 2 sprays of the perfume on the blotter and she kept harassing me and telling me to not spray a lot cos it’s an Extrait? I like my perfumes stronger and I want to test the longevity of 2 sprays. She isn’t paying for the perfume tester so please educate her and tell her to let customers shop in peace. I’m in the perfume industry and I don’t like a sales lady to tell me what to do especially when I’m not doing anything wrong. Very rude and sarcastic way of talking and was really impolite. Asked if there’s stock for zoologist penguin and she said no, one word reply in such a nonchalant way and rolled her eyes. I’m beyond mortified that this is the standard of your staff. So many negative reviews about her and nothing is done. She made my shopping experience a nightmare and I’ll NEVER support Trove if I don’t see an improvement in her behaviour. Use this as constructive criticism and do better. Absolutely...