How large is the U.S. market for candles?

It's huge! In the U.S., consumer retail sales are currently approaching two billion dollars annually, not including candle accessories. Since the early 1990's, the industry has been growing at a rate of ten to fifteen percent annually, with even greater growth in the past two to three years.

Candles are sold principally in three types of retail outlets: department stores, specialty (gift) shops, and mass merchandisers, including pharmacy chains, supermarkets and discount stores. The U.S. market is typically separated into seasonal (Christmas holiday) business at roughly 35%, and non-seasonal business at about 65%.

What types of candles are manufactured in the U.S., and what are the retail price ranges?
Types include tapers, straight-sided dinner candles, spirals, columns, votives, wax-filled containers, and novelties. Prices can range from twenty-five cents to two hundred dollars for a specialty or large column candle.

What are the most important factors affecting candle sales and prices?
Formula type, color, shape and scent. Fragrance is increasing in importance as a special element in the selection of a candle for the home.

What factors affect manufacturing costs?
Many things, including the quality of the wax, the cost and amount of fragrance, the size and shape of the candle, containers, labels, packaging and decoration. There are dozens of details to consider, and the project planning experts at Alene Candles can guide your candle projects from concept to market.

Who buys candles?
Women purchase 96% of all the candles sold in the U.S.