Lincoln Square is known for its strong sense of community; it is a friendly enclave where neighbors know each other and tradition runs deep. Few embody this spirit more than Dominick (Dom) Vitale, the dedicated manager of Kiehl’s Upper West Side, who recently celebrated an impressive 20 years with Kiehl’s NYC.
The beloved Kiehl’s UWS location has been a neighborhood staple since it opened its doors in 2004, and the Kiehl’s brand, with its focus on community and personalized care, is a natural fit for Lincoln Square. Dom notes that the Upper West Side store stands apart from other Kiehl’s locations because of the neighborhood’s one-of-a-kind feel. “This neighborhood is unique, it is homespun, it’s families, it’s relationships,” he explains. “A lot of stores in the city can feel transient, so this is really a store that has shoppers that come all the time and we have built relationships with. I know a lot of these people.”
This dedication to community is central to Kiehl’s mission. “It’s always about fostering the community. That’s our mission statement – to enrich the communities in which we are, and that’s what we try to do with our products, our services, and just our relationships,” Dom says. “It’s nice to open the door and see someone walk in that I’ve known for 15 years now.”
Kiehl’s UWS actively engages with the community by hosting events including animal adoptions, pop-ups, and collaborations with local vendors. They’ve even hosted the Girl Scouts for a cookie sale.
Dom has witnessed the evolution of Lincoln Square firsthand since he came to Kiehl’s Upper West Side location in 2012. While some familiar brands have moved on, he’s enthusiastic about the new businesses that have joined the neighborhood, particularly the “epic” Morton Williams grocery store and his “incredible” neighbors, Le Botaniste and Maman.
Kiehl’s tried-and-true staples have amassed a cult following. Two standouts, according to Dom are the Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream – a deeply hydrating unscented body lotion – and their Better Screen™ Facial Sunscreen – a lightweight sunscreen serum with Collagen Peptide that helps protect against sun damage and helps visibly correct early signs of aging. “I’m super excited that we’re seeing more people understand the importance of wearing sunscreen every day.” Dom says. “It’s amazing what we’ve done here in this location this year alone in terms of raising awareness about sun protection.”
Kiehl’s Upper West Side goes beyond simply selling products. They offer complimentary Derma-reader consultations, where skin is analyzed through photos, followed by in-table treatments like facials and hydration assessments. While walk-ins are welcome, Dom recommends making an appointment via their website to ensure availability for these popular services, which are offered seven days a week.
For those new to Kiehl’s, Dom emphasizes the brand’s authentic New York apothecary roots. “This was really an authentic apothecary back when it started and it evolved into this, so this is a story that must be told.” Kiehl’s products are developed with an “efficacious nature in mind,” reflecting their deep commitment to skin and body wellness. When asked to describe Kiehl’s UWS in three words, Dom proudly offers: “Honest, Efficacious, and Customer-centric.” In essence, he says, “We are skinCARE.”
When asked what sets Kiehl’s apart from other beauty and wellness stores Dom highlighted the brand’s “active generosity,” emphasizing, “We’re not here to blatantly make the sale. That’s not how it started and that’s never how it’s going to be. We’re here to guarantee that you get the right thing and that’s what we build our relationships on.” It’s this commitment that has kept him at Kiehl’s for two decades. “I chose to stay with Kiehl’s because I believe in that mission statement. I love what I do. Hands down for me it’s about the people. Always has been,” Dom says.
Dominick Vitale and Kiehl’s Upper West Side truly exemplify the spirit of community that makes Lincoln Square so special. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Dom and his team – and perhaps discover your new favorite skincare staple!
