Can brand new un-opened perfume be off?

[TulipTuesday]

I received a bottle of the perfume I asked DH for for Christmas. Mugler Alien Goddess Florale. I’ve twice tried it in Boots to be sure I liked it so I know what it should smell like.

I just opened the brand new box and gave myself a quick squirt. It smells really weird. Got that stale smell like when an old perfume has gone off.

I assume DH got it from Boots, but he’s having a post lunch sleep at the mo so I’ll need to check he hasn’t got it from somewhere dodgy first.

Has this happened to anyone else? Would I be able to return a brand new perfume for an exchange?

Yes. I bought a bottle one year and didn't gift it till later in the year. It was definitely stale. You need to change it.

I assume DH got it from Boots, but he’s having a post lunch sleep at the mo so I’ll need to check he hasn’t got it from somewhere dodgy first.

This would be my first thought. It shouldn't go off it's sealed. I assume you weren't spraying it on top of any other perfume it could have reacted with?

No, no other perfume. Clean fresh skin.

It has the same distinctive ‘off’ smell (wish I could describe it properly) that I’ve had from old perfumes when they’ve been hanging around a while.