Bath and skincare line Malin + Goetz officially opened their latest location in New York yesterday, transforming an old barbershop on the Upper West Side into a chic and airy “modern apothecary” of sorts for New Yorkers. Though the brand is available through several retailers around the country, this is only the second stand-alone shop in the U.S. (not including a Malin + Goetz store inside Fred Segal in Santa Monica).
We popped into the store yesterday to pick up a few of our favorite products (the vetiver candles occupy a permanent spot on our bookcase) and to check out the space. Then we caught up with co-founder Matthew Malin today to find out more about the new store and upcoming plans to expand the brand.
Why did you choose this location?
This space, as the sign still indicates (and the neighborhood is happy that we left the original sign) was a Dominican Barbershop, called “La Gran Esquina.” We wanted our second store, like our first in Chelsea, to be a neighborhood destination. Goetz grew up on the UWS and it was one of three target neighborhoods for us in NYC.
What do you think attracts people to your line of products?
It is easy and effective without hyperbole. The packaging is straightforward — a modern chemist’s label – and, in our opinion, of a beautiful design. Plus, everything is great for sensitive skin.
How has the product line and company changed since you started?
A lot. We are now five years old. We started with 11 items and now have 50. We started with about eight points of distribution (including our Chelsea store and our ecom website) and now we have about 300. Pretty amazing growth, but, we try our best to stay focused and true to our brand. It still feels the same as it did five years ago.
With all the talk of a “recession,” do you think people still have money to spend on health/beauty products?
Yes, and especially at luxury. We have always had an accessible price point for an effective and efficacious product. This has left us, especially after five years, with a loyal customer that understands our value and is comfortable with our positioning for their needs. And, people still want to look and feel good at both ends of the spectrum.
Any plans to expand your product line?
We are launching three new hair care items: Moisturizing Shampoo, Intensive Hair Mask, and Gentle Neroli Shampoo. For October, we will introduce two new fragrances: Synthesized Geranium and Petitgrain Tonic, both EDTs. We hope to have a deodorant out by the end of the year and possibly a Pomade.
Any future plans to expand your stores? Where are you looking at next?
Our single biggest future plan is to expand our own store network. We would love a third location in NYC. LA, Chicago and San Francisco are targets as well.
For people who are just finding out about the brand, how would you sum up the Malin + Goetz philosophy?
Simple skincare for even the most sensitive skin.
Malin + Goetz is now open at 455 Amsterdam Ave, near 82nd Street in New York. Details online at malinandgoetz.com
- TC
