Nothing beats walking into a local gift store, sampling a few fragrances, visiting with the storekeeper and leaving with a fresh, shiny product in hand. The chances that you’ll leave with something new and wonderful, or tried and true, with a smile on your face are never better.

At Thymes, we’re proud to support the specialty gift stores that carry our collections. Since its founding nearly 30 years ago, Thymes has been “committed to the specialty store market,” says Lynn Merrill, Key Account Manager at Thymes. “We’ve always stayed true to the specialty retailer.” These strong, enduring relationships are mutually beneficial, helping to build both the success of the specialty store as well as of our brand.

The personal touch offered by neighborhood retailers has always been key for Thymes customers. That’s because fragrances crafted by Thymes are best experienced up close: to enjoy their subtleties, feel their textures and absorb their botanical benefits. “Because the product is so touchy-feely, it’s important that people have opportunities to try these products,” Lynn adds. “We realize that we wouldn’t be there without specialty retailers.”

The purchaser-product immediacy made possible by specialty gift stores makes us especially grateful for the 4,000-plus retailers around the country who stock Thymes, keeping the selection fresh and appealing and being a fount of knowledge about each new line. Our most committed retailers qualify as “Best of Thymes” stores, which carry the most complete array of Thymes collections.

That doesn’t mean they necessarily have to be one-brand stands. Other high-quality bath, body and home fragrance brands typically find room on shelves nearby. “Choices are a good thing,” Lynn says. “When there’s competition, that means the store has a dedicated bath and body customer, and that’s good.”

Lynn, whose favorite collection is clean, nature-loving Naia, admires the specialty gift store partners she regularly interacts with. “I love that they’re entrepreneurial, they’re in touch with their business, they’re very hands on,” she says. “I love the diversity of personalities. I love that it’s a very one-on-one relationship.”

That relationship is built on clear communication, timely follow-through and respect for the special skills each party brings to the table. “We get lots of praise from our retailers,” Lynn says.

The praise for our retailer partners is equally strong. For a list of specialty stores in your area, check out our specialty store locator. Once you find one close to you, wander into their wonderland of delightful gifts, sample a little something special and tell them “Thanks!” from all of us at Thymes.