How to be a fragrance buyer

Walk into any department store and everything you see has been ‘bought’ by someone. There are accessory buyers, womenswear buyers, menswear buyers and more. But did you realise there are also fragrance buyers? Frank Kavanagh is the fragrance buyer for one of Australia’s largest department stores, Myer. But what exactly does he do? And what perfume does he buy by the truckload?

How long have you been buying fragrances?

“For the past five years, I’ve been in cosmetics and fragrances [for Myer].”

Describe a day in your role …

“Myer is the largest retailer of fragrances and cosmetics in Australia … Sometimes I will smell more than 40 new fragrances in one day, and then discuss them with my work colleagues and friends, to seek their feedback.”

What makes a good fragrance brand?

“A successful fragrance generally requires a beautiful, alluring ‘juice’, a stunning bottle and a strong marketing campaign, and the brand usually has a strong history in fragrances.”

Your favourite fragrance?

Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme

“I prefer woody, earthy fragrances in winter such as Vera Wang Men, Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme and Prada Man. In summer I prefer lighter, fresher fragrances such as cK Free For Men, Versace Man Eau Fraiche and Georgio Armani’s Aqua di Gio Pour Homme.”

Her favourite fragrance?

“[My wife] Melissa’s two favourite fragrances are Narciso Rodriguez For Her, which is a stunning musky floral, and Marc Jacobs’ Lola, which is a warm floral.”

Franks’ Picks Of The Season:

Armani Idole d’Armani

Davidoff Hot Water

cK Free For Men

Marc Jacobs Lola

Spicy