Merz is one if my favorite stores in Lincoln Square. I like many of the vitamins, bath and body care, d hist and other wellness products for allergies & sinus issues. Merz is the perfect store to pick up gifts as well. They have been in business for a very long time and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. read more

I just discovered that place last night when I went to Detox 101. I had no clue this store was there (and it's been open for 144 years! Shame on me). I loved the stuff and owner of the store. They're very knowledgeable, helpful, polite and friendly. I was pleasantly surprised to find things that I was looking for and couldn't find anywhere. For example, sea blackthorn berries which are great for you (source of vitamins, antioxidants, protein building blocks (amino acids), fatty acids and minerals; for improving blood pressure and lowering cholesterol; preventing and controlling blood vessel diseases; and boosting immunity). Or another great thing to have --- Swiss bitters (great for digestion). They care product from around the world that are hard to find in other places and they are reasonably priced. Also, I loved their fragrance counter. It's very original and they help you find a right perfume just for you. I sure did find mine (lovey rose, ah!). Very happy to find this place! read more

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I'm a frequent shopper at Merz's online boutique (Smallflower.com) and have stopped into their downtown location in the Palmer House a few times, but this weekend was my first trip to the flagship store in Lincoln Square. If I were a good enough person to go to heaven (I'm not) this would be what my personal Valhalla would look like. Merz's is a warm, welcoming store that's absolutely packed with all of the best bath, body and personal care items the world has to offer. Because it's a small space, take your time browsing so you don't miss any of the treasures they have to offer. If you need help or a recommendation, there are plenty of helpful associates on hand to steer you in the right direction. Although I love the downtown location, this Merz's definitely has "more" stuff to pick from, including lots of homeopathic remedies, natural health products, grooming essentials for the whole family, and an adjoining storefront (called Q Brothers) that specializes in men's shaving tools. Because there's so much to pick from, I offer a list of my personal favorites: *Hand cream from Santa Maria Novella. It's hard to find and way expensive but worth every penny. *German Nivea cream - it's not the same formula we get in the US and basically has all of the same ingredients as the insanely expensive Crème de Mer. *Kamille or Lobello lip balms from Germany - way better than Chapstick *Proraso shaving supplies - my husband's favorite *Marvis toothpaste - these tubes last a long, long time and they have unique flavors Honestly, if I listed all of my favorites we'd be here all day and I'd exceed the 5000 word review max. Just know that the staff is helpful, the selections are well curated and you're sure to find a thing or two that you won't be able to live without! read more

I came into the store and was excited to browse their selection of fragrances. I waited at the counter for the previous customer to finish their selection, and as I was waiting with my partner, another couple came up to the counter. The salesperson ignored my partner and I and went to the older couple first, and they actually said to the salesperson that we had been waiting longer. She came over to us, and made it very apparent she did not want to be servicing us, cutting me off as I spoke and slamming the bottle I asked to smell onto the counter. The fragrance I had asked to see, was from another company I had another scent from and I had the intent to purchase their newer scent. I asked about sizing, and she said, again cutting me off that that was the only size that was available, which wasn't the case, and said the cost to us while walking away and not even making eye contact. I thought this was odd and uncomfortable how she rushed through our conversation, and shouted the price at us, as I had never requested the price. She then proceeded to welcome the other couple and offer them samples and various sizes of perfumes. After that we were ignored, and I was disheartened that I was not given the same respect and service as the other customers in the store, and decided to leave after that very uncomfortable interaction. It was very evident we were not given the same level of treatment, and it was unfortunate other customers had to point this out for us to even be acknowledged. I wanted to buy the product from a local business rather than order it from a larger company, and I was very disappointed by this experience. No customer should walk away empty-handed because an employee makes an assumption or a quick judgement. I've since purchased the product elsewhere. I hope that this experience is not a common on. read more

These guys know what they're talking about and aren't afraid to really help you find what you need. Seriously, we spent about an hour in here shopping for deodorant. With sensitive skin it's sometimes hard to find a product that will work and keep your skin happy and the service we received here was awesome. They walked us around and talked about the pros and cons of different products and their ingredients and you could tell that they weren't pushing products to up-sell you, but to truly help solve your problem. If we lived in the area we would definitely do our regular drugstore shopping here and we even found some great products that work for us for cheaper than Amazon prices. Alas, we live out of the area so while we're thankful for the new products on our go-to list we'll have to pay a little extra and shop on the web. If you're in the area and looking for something specialized, natural or just want to look around this is a great spot! read more

Very large collection of a variety of health and beauty products! Plan to spend a little time to check it all out but you still won't check it all in one visit. Quite a variety of perfumes a little pricier than what I wanted to pay Kimberly helped us out very sweet, personable and helpful. read more

Merz Apothecary looks like the 19th century equivalent of a Sephora (if ever there was such a thing), crossed with your corner drug store (which is what an apothecary was, really), with a dash of Whole Foods mixed in (bulk teas, Sigg water bottles). It's bath and beauty central, no doubt about it. Soaps, brushes, lotions, perfumes, shaving goods, lip-balm-palooza. I thought I knew every brand of hand cream out there; I was clearly deluding myself. The "apothecary" aspect comes out in the large selection of lozenges and personal care products such as toothbrushes. (I also loved that vestiges of their past remain in the form of tinctures in bottles that line the shelves behind the counter.) Beyond the delectable scent of everything sold here (it all smells almost edible), it's as if every item was selected with an eye for the packaging alone. I was enchanted by the beautiful Art Deco labels on a line of perfumes and bath oils, then the colorful yet streamlined style employed on a line of soaps and candles; everywhere you turn there's something elegant and attractive to look at. Then there were just the puzzler products: things like beads for your vacuum to make it smell like "Beach Days", or (my favorite oddity), Breath Palette toothpaste from Japan, which comes in funky flavors ranging from Pumpkin Pudding to Caramel to Cola. (How can your teeth feel clean after eating dessert if you're brushing them with caramel-flavored toothpaste??) It's great that Merz includes more unusual products along with the standard ones. Staff was friendly when I was checking out, but as I perused I could here several staffers hashing over some issue related to another employee; better to keep that to the back room if you can, out of the earshot of the public. This was my first visit to Merz, but as I found out, I was not a first-time customer; when I made my purchase and got my bag, I saw their web address on it, smallflower.com. When I lived in another state I once splurged and ordered $30 in lip balm from here! They carry many brands of lip balm, including the popular and hard-to-find Labello and various varietals of Smith's Rosebud Salve. This may have been my first trip to Merz, but it certainly won't be my last. read more

Amazing store I love to support. Even buying household detergent cleaners soaps during pandemic just to support them. Hope they stay in the neighborhood forever. My sons eczema has gotten so much better, they stock quality products from around the world. Love this store. read more

Gorgeous, plenty of old fashioned charm and well stocked! I left with a lotion and a lip balm but could've done much more damage. I kept it together knowing this is only the first part of my trip to Chicago. I would love to see one of these in Charlotte! Reminded me of C.O. Bigelow in Nee York City. A must if you love any kind of beauty product. read more

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They're great, but they're never open. Open 9-5, closed on Sundays. It's always been their thing, but it's annoying.

Wonderful and truly deserves a 5 star review. It's been in business since 1875. A Chicago classic and look into the old world. But better yet is the staff. They have a PharmD on staff and an herbalist. They have products from all around the world, and not a grain of pretentiousness in their bodies. They have luxury items with the advantage of consulting experts at very very reasonable prices. Some even better than Jewels or Walgreens prices. The pharmacist, Jonathan, was so kind to accommodate my group of 8 from Swedish Covenant Hospital oncology department and tell us all about the store. They are very careful to weigh the risks vs. benefit of complimentary medicine. They understand drug-nutrient interactions, there is no agenda. I never found a place similar to this that I would recommend as much as this. I am a total cynic and science snob and this place is the real deal, and the true shining diamonds are the knowledgeable and capable staff members. Not to mention affordable and international best-of-the-best products. I am usually wary about this kind of thing, but this is the real deal- experts on staff, no sales agenda, knowledgeable people willing to present to you scientific information. Bravo! And I will be back. Sincerely, Dietitian with Masters Degree and 4 years clinical and oncology experience.Never been compelled to write a review for a similar company. Thank you! read more

Interesting back history at: http://merzapothecary.com/our-story/ Don't walk in expecting a traditional pharmacy: on the surface it looks like one, but instead every nook and shelf are racked with homeopathic, natural, and imported speciality items. I was struck by a huge array of black licorice items, and since I like bitter tastes I purchased the "double salt" variety from Holland. I could not finish one tiny piece, it tasted like sucking on a sponge dipped in the Pacific Ocean. However I am not holding this against them: somewhere, somebody has a taste for this (Holland I suppose, I am giving the bag to my Dutch colleague tomorrow). More things to try, these speciality types of products are usually too expensive for my basic tastes but this is a store with exploring and sampling. read more

Amazing store- there is nothing else like this in the Midwest!! The niche perfumes are the best. Highly recommend!!!

I went there first time and I was gonna be in and out. There is no good parking place so I parked as closed as possible because only one essential thing is buy. Most of people wear fabric mask. So I have my scarf as my mask which was more covering my face then their own employee who was wear a fabric mask and that also barely wearing her face just her nose and mouth. And one of their employee came and made me wear extra cover because am Muslim and my head was cover. Every racist people they are. First and last time. And they even don't have any precautions in their own stores. Like no sanitizer or distance concerns or cashier were not even had plastic wall if someone cough or sneezed on them and no employees were even then gloves. And they were worried about my scarf covered face. Ya right. Totally dam employees. read more

I come here whenever I visit the Lincoln Square neighborhood because this place has a wonderful assortment of perfume oils priced reasonably well, holistic toothpaste, aromatherapy oils and European massage oils that are unique and of high grade quality. My favorite perfume oil here is Eau de touche and only $5 which is half the amount you would be paying at other high end stores here in Chicago. I'm definitely delighted these people are still in business read more

Merz Apothecary - My most favorite brand of vanilla perfume sold her for a great price - Drugstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this quaint and highly unique store in Chicago. You have everything - amazing staff - super friendly and helpful.

I had ordered Korodin drops for nausea from this Company about 5 years ago. I called them today as I wanted to place another order for that product but they no longer carried it. Aubrey talked to me to make sure he understood exactly what I was looking for, and he discussed their current products and found a similar product that they do have available. I also advised him of another other health issue that I was having (arthritis) and he was able to recommend a product to me. I ordered the products that he discussed with me, and since that order was just placed today, I cannot tell you how those products work yet, but I can tell you that the customer service experience that Aubrey gave was exceptional. I will update my post once I try the products that I have ordered so that I can give a review of the actual products, however, regardless if the products work or not, my view of this Company will not change, as this is a Company that I will do more business with and I will recommend them to anyone I know that is looking for herbal remedies. read more

I still have my package of Smooth Moves here in the kitchen. I'm still unsure if I want to take it. Trixie....You and your friends at Merz convinced me to buy this body de-tox. At the time, it sounded like a good idea. But when I sat in the hotel room in Chicago..... I just stared at it. I still stare at it. Never tasted it nor touched it yet. I'm still contemplating. I'll keep you posted. read more

Merz Apothecary - Drugstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This review concerns Smallflower, which is Merz's online business. I would like to support a local business. I like what Merz carries, and the retail store is nice. However, the online process stinks. During the pandemic, I placed an online order. I was sent items I did not order and not sent items I did order. Working this out with customer service required taking photos of what I was sent in order to receive the correct items. My next order had a lengthy processing delay before it even shipped. Then, after this delay, it got sent USPS and totally lost. From order to receipt of goods took weeks. I was told I had caught the company in a "warehouse move." This time, I ordered a bunch of Christmas gifts on Nov. 27. Only when I received the order confirmation did it mention "delays with economy shipping." 7 days after placing the order, it still had not even been processed to ship (with then the promise of further delays once shipped!). I contacted Merz and requested that we move the shipping to express so I would receive the order in-time (note: willing to pay); I was told that you cannot change the shipping type after ordering and that to expedite shipping I would need to cancel the order and resubmit it on the website (whhhaaaattttt), and it would take "3-5 days" for the order to be processed. I then noted that, in fact, 7 days had passed since the original order, and it wasn't yet even processed. I was then told the agent had worked with the warehouse manager to ensure that my order would be processed and shipped that day. Guess what? A day later, 8 days after the order was submitted, it still is in processing and hasn't shipped. I would go to the store to purchase the gifts...but the store closes at 6pm and is closed entirely on Sunday, and the downtown location was closed. I do not expect a local business to be Amazon, with overnight shipping. I do not think it is unreasonable to ask a local business to process an order from its website within 8 days and get it in the mail or to follow-through on a promise to a customer. Across 3 orders now, for in-stock items, it's taking 3-4 weeks for orders to arrive. No thanks. read more

Merz is a wet shaver's dream shop. Amazing selection and great prices for a brick and mortar store. I love being able to smell all the different shaving soaps before I buy. Completely different than relying on a vendor's description online. I stop in every time I'm in Chicago. read more

I drove a long way from my home in the suburbs to Merz Apothecary as I discovered this gem years ago and found that they are the only store that carries my dad's very specific hair product. With the exception of 2020, I would go to the store once or twice a year to purchase a few bottles to last my dad a while. I went to the area in the store where it would typically be stocked and I didn't see it. I circled the aisles for about 5 minutes- all the while a male store clerk was standing less than 5 feet away, clearly saw me searching, and never once stepped in to ask if I needed help. Finally I approached him and asked if they still carry Yardley products. In one quick word he said, "no". Then I asked, "but you used to right?" And once again he vaguely responded "a long time ago". And that was it. Didn't offer an alternative. Didn't even care to ask what specific product I was looking for. I walked out of the store empty handed and very disappointed. read more

I've gone to this store for years. Never have I been disappointed with the knowledge of everyone I've been helped by. From questions and products helping my child's needs when she was growing up. To health supplements for me as I grow older. And now looking for a summer fragrance. Sometimes in life you just want to make , what perfume am I going to wear ?,, the hardest part of your day. I was helped by a lovely young lady named Grace. Her name says it all. She helped me look and smell the collection of things that interested me with such a non rushed fashion that I felt like I was on vacation for a short time. I appreciated her knowledge and easy going demeanor. I left purchasing a few samples. I'm sure one of these will work. Can't wait to go back a enjoy buying a bottle of perfume from her. read more

Nicest staff and loveliest little toiletries everywhere. Really great perfume collection and experts to help you out.

I myself have never been to this store in person. Although after browsing their inventory online they seem to have pretty neat stuff. My review is based on an online order my husband made. That order was a sample of a Perfume I've been wanting to buy called "Not a Perfume" by Juliette has a gun. I have tried a sample (from a beauty box subscription) many months ago & could not remember if this scent had a lasting smell, aside from remembering how incredibly sexy the scent was. The sample arrived from this boutique & I was appalled at the fact it was so small and it did not come with a spray nozzle. I felt as if they took their own vial & sprayed from a bigger bottle into the vial purchased. I would have preferred an actual vial like the ones that come in the wardrobe set. A vial with the name of the scent & a spray nozzle. After I struggled to get the difficult top off I spilled most of it. Let's just say I was not too happy with the money spent on this product. I can buy a 3.4 oz bottle and my own vials and sell them online $4-$5 And make enough money with the profit to probably buy 2 big bottles.. I'm not a mathematician, but it sounds good so we'll just roll with it. Lol. Other than that dislike, I plan on ordering some of their full size perfumes that are pretty inexpensive & look pretty neat. However I will not order any samples .. Do not let this review keep you from trying this place out, as I stated earlier their store has pretty neat stuff. I plan on trying other items and I will leave more reviews. Note: Men, when your are purchasing for your wife, lover, or significant other read description carefully. I just noticed the ziplock bag it came in states that it is hand-decanted. So what I received was in their description before my husband purchased. My Husband gets 0 's rating. read more

I discovered the shop while walking through Lincoln Square and dropped in. I have been thankful ever since. And, looking forward to going back. Merz is a wonderland of pills, lotions and magical things to keep us healthy. OK, not really magical potions but to me, it's the adult version of a candy store. There are vitamins and even more supplements and non-standard, natural health treatments. Perhaps, best of all, the staff is very knowledgeable on their products. After I spoke to a woman employee about an herbal supplement, she took the time to photocopy a page from a binder of theirs which described the benefits of that herb. I had not asked for it so frankly, I was very impressed at the high level of customer appreciation. We also discussed another item and she told me what she knew then suggested I return during the week and speak to Mike as he would know even more. High marks all around! read more

I love this place. I find so many incredible products here that I haven't seen anywhere else. The staff is super knowledgeable and willing to give advice. read more

j'adorable shop in Lincoln Square. I was shopping for Christmas gifts for others today, but instead, discovered things that I didn't even know that I needed, for myself. I've been a faithful customer since 1998, and can always find a gift for that difficult person, here. Amazing, quality beaute' enhancement products for all those beasts on your list! Pretty up kittens, it's about to be a new year! Also, support your local shoppes! read more

I could write a five star review of Merz Apothecary every day and not get bored. First, it's a freakin' apothecary. Not just a drugstore. If you're looking for some herbal remedies, this is the place. If you're looking for some homeopathic medication, this is the place. If you're looking for some natural soaps and lotions, this is the place. I could go on and on. So I will. Lozenges of every flavor and variety, natural shave creams and brushes, loofahs and a variety of other scrubbing products, herbal teas, detox products, candles, soaps, bath toys for gosh sakes! Apparently "apothecary" translates to "purveyor of products for better living." If you have too much stress in your life, I can all but guarantee that Merz has something to wipe it out. On top of all that, Merz has an incredibly knowledgeable staff. So if you're not sure what you need, but you can describe what you want it to do, they'll put you on to the right thing. On the other hand, if you just want to browse -- and you will want to browse -- they'll leave you alone to do that as well. The strange thing is, I don't actually but a lot of products from Merz. So the fact that I love them so much says something. About them or about me, I'm not sure. read more

I came here on Saturday after visiting my accupuncturist. The place is amazing. They are something between a pharmacy and an old school health and wellness store. They have everything hygiene products to essential oils and herbs. They have a ton of imported procedcts too especially from europe, including this mint chews we used to get from belgium and I always chewed on when I was sick growing up! The staff are all super knowledgeable and really approachable. This is a really unique and special place. I highly recommend checking it out! read more

Dangerous. This place is absolutely not recommended for those whose will-power does not have an inverse relationship with their bank account. (graph it, you'll get it) That being said: Patronize this place, dammit! It is homeopathic heaven for all things soap, scented, natural, clean, and delightful. The staff is smart and passionate (and presumably, quite clean). The products are diverse and unparalleled. You will never want to do your self care shopping at Target again (sorry, guys). The moment you walk in, you are transported to this historic, exotic, natural place crowded with bottles of all shapes and sizes (and antique ones on the wall). Imagine an elixir, they have it. Tiny, age-old fragrances mixed in with obscure re-imaginings. A nook of teas, a cranny of soaps, a corner of natural pet care, a spread of pure oils , baskets and baskets of lip balm. Have I convinced you? Go. Get thee to Merz. Define an amount you are willing to part with, you weak-willed ones (imported soaps are often in the 20s) You will come out smelling like a new person. And, yes, that's a good thing. read more

It's not often I walk into a store and am moved to exclaim, "Cool!" This store looks 100 years old (probably because it is,) but it is stocked with all the newest and finest self-care products as well as the old standbys. There are collections of soaps, fragrances and spa-quality products, and if my guess is right none of them contain parabens or any of those nasty chemicals. Guys, if you want to buy your mom or wife or girlfriend something lovely that she might not buy for herself, this would be a good place to start. I splurged on a Mason Pearson hairbrush that cost even more than a session of therapy, but it will last me forever. My friend purchased some homeopathic anti-nausea pills that she said work great. Wish I had known about those back when I was pregnant. read more

Eczema. I have been diagnosed with this by my doctor. It's red. It's itchy and when I scratch at it (I know it's wrong, but I can't help it) it bleeds. Totally gross, I know, but it's my skin. Luckily for me, my eczema is contained to my feet, but nothing I've been using or have been prescribed by my doctor has been effective in keeping my eczema under control. Enter Merz. I walk up to the counter where I'm greeted by a very nice young lady. I explain my situation and ask if there is any natural remedy for my horrid skin disease. She thinks for a moment and then says follow me. I follow her around the store while she explains that I need: - Florasone, to relive the itching of the eczema. - Sof' Feet, a taffy-like substance, to soften my feet and provide a much needed barrier of protection. - Fish Oil, which will help provide my skin with the nourishment it needs from the inside out. I thank her for her time and expertise. I take my time and finally walk to the cash register with all three products. $33 later I walk out with my bag, hopeful that this will help my skin get back under control. Update. I've been using all three products in the way she described I should for over a week now and I have to say I'm very impressed with the results. My skin isn't as red or itchy as it used to be and it feels so much smoother as well. I have to say, for the amount of time, energy, and money I've spent on keeping my eczema under control, I wished I had gone to Merz with my dilemma sooner. Thanks Merz! I'm now a firm believer in the power of natural healing. read more

This place has everything. All of the fancy face masks and nail polish and deodorant and hair stuff that you think you have to buy online, you don't. It's here! And the people who work her are really wonderful help. It's the perfect place to go for gifts or to treat yourself. Also, I feel I should mention this place has a wonderful men's selection for hair care, skin care, or shaving needs. Basically like a Lush for men. My boyfriend loves it! read more

A disappointment. We were excited about coming here, but after two tries, we're never coming back. It makes no sense where stuff is in this store. There's barely space to walk, and you can't really browse here without get run over by customers and bugged by employees. But the absolute worst part is the prices. For example, the Tom's of Maine toothpaste is almost double what Whole Foods charges. And Whole Foods isn't cheap. The staff only seems to welcome a certain type of customer here; maybe it's because we're in our 20s, but we didn't feel wanted. There's good stuff here, but finding what you want is difficult, and it's shockingly overpriced. read more

Apothecary is a fun word to say. Try it. Apothecary. Apooothecary. See?? Fun! I had heard all about Merz Apothecary, but had never been able to visit until yesterday. I was early for a lunch date with Mr. Johnbee and popped in to smell some smelly stuff and get my apothecary on. Merz has a lot of fun stuff, like almond scented shaving cream (ok, it's meant for dudes, but if it wasn't so expensive I would totally be slathering it all over my legs) and some old favorites like Nivea, which is HUUUGE in Germany. Merz also has some lovely perfumes and scented oils. I purchased some ocean scented perfume, which I love! Cue Seinfeld episode comments. If I was in the area and had some time to kill I would stop back at Merz, but there isn't anything here that would make me want to make a special trip. Although, the Hanna Montana hot water bottle was kind of curious. Aren't hot water bottles for 80 year olds? Is that the Hanna Montana demographic now? read more

I only leave off a star because for the first 6 years I lived here I swear they hired someone just to follow me around the store. It was annoying, disconcerting and made me feel like a criminal. Hey, you know me, right? Do I look like a criminal? No, I'm here to spend money on $20 soaps yo! Anyhow, the last 4 years they've sort of left me alone, or realized that I'm there to purchase things. (duh!) I've managed to get my husband hooked on R&G's fresh fig soap, and then they discontinued it. Thanks Roger & Gallet, it was my one way to get my husband to go in there with me! jerks. I fluctuate in what I get, but it is usually something from the Provence collection, though I'll never get that pineapple one again. ugh. I digress though, I was really trying to be helpful with this review. I got my neti-pot and salts here. Which I use faithfully because I have dreadful allergies. I've gone on to order one for several friends and family members through the website (smallflower.com) and have them shipped. Everyone loves it. I use an immune wash with it too. They have a homeopathic sinus pill thing that I take when I feel crappy too. My cats even get in on the action, because they are crazy, neurotic and pukey. So, I get this wonderful homeopathic "cat anxiety" liquid drops formula that I put on their food. And voila! No more puking. It is lovely. So, in conclusion, shop here, bring money and don't be offended if they follow you around for 6 years, I think it's their way of hazing you. read more

Merz = sensory overload. All I wanted was some bubble bath, but a visit to Merz had me contemplating these purchases: a dachshund-shaped soap, several scents of $30+ soy candles, all the European lip balms they carried. This place is really neat, but be prepared to browse through a LOT of things if you don't have any specific items in mind. Most of the brands will be unfamiliar to you unless you've spent some time in Europe: lots of Nivea and Fa. Luckily, Merz is staffed with very helpful people and I was directed toward their bubble bath selection. It was enormous. I spent 15 minutes smelling different things, and finally settled on 2. So, come prepared! I'm glad I did. Otherwise I'd be torn right now about whether or not I should use a dachshund-shaped soap. Note: Because there are so many products in this store, I would feel awkward shopping with lots of bags or bulky items, for fear that I would turn around and knock everything to the ground. If you're doing some Lincoln Square shopping, make this your first stop. read more

Merz Apothocary is insane awesome! I mean, how wizard-esque do you feel going to a place called "Merz Apothocary"?! I felt quite wizard-like, indeed. So, I knew that Merz carried Zumbar bar soaps and was in need, so I strolled on over. I really didn't know what to expect. I had walked past the place a million or so times, but I never really took a good look in there. Its not a big place, but they have soooo much to offer. They carry some great natural high end products that are sold at specialty shops and some higher end department stores. I suppose an apathocary would technically be a specialty shop. I probably spent about 45 minutes in there until I finally decided what I wanted. They have testers for most products, so its pretty easy to introduce yourself into some new stuff. The staff is very helpful and eager to help you find what you need. Not only do they have body, hair, face and hygiene products, but they carry teas and tinctures and all sort of herbal remedies and homeopathic treatments. Next time I go in there, I'm bringing a little snot-dripping kid so I can tell them what the symptoms are and they can then reccommend the perfect cure: a tincture of nettlewort nose, lemon balm, snail love and a pinch of roobis tea to be taken twice daily via a nose spritzer. read more

I really love the selection here, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Service is hit or miss. Usually when I come in to Merz I know what kind of product I need, but not necessarily the brand, which is why service is so important (and because Merz usually has like 10+ brands of every item!) They carry things here that you cannot get anywhere else in the city. I really love (and own) a lot of the facial soaps/scrubs that they carry here. Their prices are very reasonable, and it usually is cheaper to get a high-quality-organic-vegan facial scrub here than it would be at CVS. read more

This place is a dream come true. Upon entering Merz Apothecary, you are immediately overwhelmed by an array of sights and smells. Not in the way that Bath & Body Works bombards you with its sickly sweet, ridiculously pungent synthetic fragrances and horrendously bright colors, but in a way that would make any appreciator of fine hygiene products double-check their bank account before taking another step. I am a novice wetshaver and consider soap to be an art form, so this place was a real treat. The staff was very helpful, but did not immediately walk up and bug me. When I asked one of the girls her advice on a good moisturizing sandalwood bar soap, she was very helpful and gave me several options, most of which were based on personal usage of the products. The clerks stay out of your way but come to the rescue when you need them, and I like that. I didn't feel pressured by the staff to buy a single thing, and they didn't bat an eye when I stood around the Pre de Provence soap table and sniffed to my heart's content. They had some decent unobtrusive music playing quietly when I was there, and the place has a very cozy atmosphere with hardwood floors and fully stocked shelves. If you don't see something right in front of you that catches your eye, turn your head and try again. If you are into wetshaving, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. They've got an amazing selection of soaps, creams, pre- and post-shaves, straight and safety razors, brushes, lather bowls, the whole nine yards. They carry many of the well-known brands such as Trumper, Truefitt & Hill, Tabac, Muehle, Proraso, Kent, Merkur, Dovo, etc. The prices are a few bucks more than you would pay with an online vendor, but then again there's no shipping costs and you get the pleasant experience of spending time in this store. The amount of money I could blow in this place is staggering. Go at all costs. read more