Business & Tech

Kiehl's Skincare Business Opens First Connecticut Store in Farmington at Westfarms

Have you been to Kiehl's before in another state? Tell us in the comments!

A national word-of-mouth skincare business with a celebrity following has opened its first Connecticut store at the Westfarms Mall in Farmington.

Kiehl's Since 1851 held its grand opening on May 17. The new Farmington location is the 52nd Kiehl's store nationwide.

"We're super excited to be here," Farmington Store Manager Tim Schaefer said.

The company started as a apothecary in New York 162 years ago called Brunswick Apothecary. In 1865, John Kiehl purchased it and changed the name. 

Kiehl's President Chris Salgardo, who addressed the shoppers and cut the ribbon at the opening, said that science is the foundation of the business. 

"We want them to do what they say and say what they do," he said.

He stumbled upon Kiehl's in California and has been using the products for 23 years. Salgardo has been the president for the past seven years of the 13 he's been working for the company.

Kiehl's doesn't advertise or have outer packaging other than what's required on their product containers because the company doesn't want the consumer to have to pay more to cover that expense. 

People usually find out about Kiehl's after hearing about it from someone else. Many celebrities use Kiehl's products, including but not limited to Brad Pitt, Jeff Kunze, Tom Hanks, Oprah, Julianne Moore, Sandra Bullock, Zachary Quinto and Alanis Morrisette. 

"It's more like who is isn't," Salgardo said.

But Salgardo said that customers care more about the products themselves than their celebrity appeal.

Well trained customer care specialists are available in-store to offer consultations on which skin product will work the best to meet the customers' individual needs. Many also come just to browse. Salgardo said that the store also has a 28-day money back guarantee if customers are not satisfied.

Even before the Farmington opening people in Connecticut knew of Kiehl's, many going to Manhattan to buy the skincare products, he said.

"The savvy Connecticut beauty junkies, whether they are male or female, love Kiel's," Salgardo said, noting that the company makes products specialized for both men's and women's skin.

Farmington Town Councilman C.J. Thomas and Economic Development Director Courtney Hendricson came to welcome the business and made remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. West Hartford Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor was also present.

Customers were given free samples of Kiehl's moisturizers to take home. Staff spoke to store visitors like Lorraine Vogelhut, of West Hartford, about the products and applied more sample products to their skin.

Philanthropy is also an integral part of Kiehl's. For May and June, 1 percent of the proceeds will benefit The Hartford Stage, which has a lot of theater programming for kids and teens. Kiehl's also plans on supporting many other local organizations and charities in the future.

Kiehl's is located at 509 Westfarms Mall, suite C231, Farmington, CT 06032. For more information, customers can call the store at 860-521-3318.

Have you ever been to a Kiehl's or purchased their products? Tell us in the comments!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here