The following are some reasons why perfumes can become unavailable:

1. Each year, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) issues ever-stricter safety and allergen regulations. This affects quite a few classic formulas as well as niche compositions, and sometimes brands have to discontinue a perfume if they are unable to reformulate.
2. The brand decides to change the concentration. For example, an eau de parfum is reformulated as an extrait, effectively turning it into a different perfume.
3. The brand ceases operating. The creative director passed away, got bored, started a new project, sold the business, etc.
4. The brand cannot keep up with logistics and production demands, with disruptions for up to a year. If there is no regular production and availability schedule, it is not viable for a stockist to carry the brand.
5. The brand changed the distribution model, eg from niche to duty free.

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