Santa Maria Novella, the world's oldest pharmacy, originating in Italy, will relocate and reopen its domestic flagship store on Nishigoban-gai Street in Ginza, Tokyo (1F, 6-8-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo). The pre-opening will be held on May 1st, followed by a grand opening on the 9th. The approximately 36-square-meter store will further expand its selection of herbal fragrance products, offering a full lineup of eau de cologne, body care, bath products, and interior items. The store will also begin pre-sales of "Maggio Water" (250ml/3,500 yen), launched to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the company's founding, on the 1st. This alcohol-free herbal water, inspired by Tuscan "Maggio" (May), features iris and rose, and can be applied to the body after bathing for a sensual fragrance.

The history of Santa Maria Novella dates back to 1221, when monks at the Santa Maria Novella Monastery in Florence compounded medicines and ointments using herbs they cultivated themselves in the pharmacy within the monastery as a way of practicing the Dominican doctrine of "healing." The monastery was officially licensed as a pharmacy in 1612, and has been a favorite of the Medici family, Napoleon, and royalty and aristocrats. Today, the brand offers a wide range of products, from soaps and creams to interior items. In Japan, its products are available at shops in Ginza and Marunouchi, as well as in department stores across the country.