Babalu Opens in Palm Beach: Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Luxurious and Unique

A glamorous conceptual twist on the ubiquitous hotel sundries shop, the curated selection begins with classed-up, sassed-up basics at a high design level —think crème de la crème of categories as common as toothpaste and chewing gum. All perfectly finished off with Babalu’s signature deluxe gift wrap program. If Babe Paley and the other society swans got together to open a convenience store, this would be the place.

In the same way that restaurants have introduced entertainment qualities to dining, Babalu’s bright, cheery concept hooks customers with its high energy vibe and surprising assortment priced from $2 to $35,000. It brings out the kid in even the crankiest of curmudgeons and jaded of jet setters because Babalu is a true point of discovery – with a continually evolving brand assortment and merchandising concept. A typical visit may offer Missoni, Comme Des Garcons, Alexandra von Furstenberg and Paul Smith, among other coveted brands, as well as emerging and exclusive designers. Merchandise weaves in organic apothecary products, resort wear, fine and costume jewelry, hair accessories, small leather goods, travel, sunglasses, fragrances, books, house wares, pet items, beach towels and gifts from big-ticket purchases to a little something special for one’s host.

Owners Greg Melvin and Paolo Ambu also use their talents to create the signature Perfume Bar featuring the whos-who in the industry: Humiecki & Graef, Carner Barcelona, Montale, Mona di Orio, Mancera, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, which is one of the most sought-after scents by the same nose behind Dior and Gaultier fragrances, Mark Buxton, who created Comme des Garcons’ perfumes, and Amouage, which was custom made for the Sultan of Oman. Scented home lines include Fornasetti Profumi, Costes, Ex Voto Paris and Europe’s oldest candle maker Cire Trudon.

Shoppers aren’t the only ones enjoying themselves. Melvin and Ambu have made it their mission to source stylish, fresh, often wild, wares. They couldn’t be happier partaking in a lifelong shopping spree.

“It’s power-packed, grab-and-go convenience on a sophisticated level,” says Ambu, who’s proud to be recognized among a handful of authentic concept stores on a global scale.

“With its rare combination of easy elegance and love for good, old-fashioned fun,” adds Melvin. “Deep within the Babalu DNA is our innovative approach to activating seemingly unlikely, yet strategically-located small spaces; this approach allows us to purvey an experience within a concentrated gravity center for visitors to share in the high energy and amazing product choices we have to offer.”

John Rawlins, the former creative director for retail design at Bergdorf Goodman who designed the original Babalu, was brought on board to also design the Palm Beach location. His décor’s bold cabana stripes wrap the intimate space from floor to ceiling, while a sea of sleek shelves adds to the clean, linear theme highlighting meticulous presentation. Babalu’s iconic pink signage hangs as a reminder that it’s all about a rosy fantasy here.

Visit website:
https://store.babalumiami.com/about.html