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National Candle Association

Candle Industry Facts

* U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually, excluding sales of candle accessories.


* There are more than 350 commercial, religious and institutional manufacturers of candles in the United States, as well as scores of small craft producers for local, non-commercial use.


* Candles are sold principally in three types of retail outlets: department stores; specialty (gift) shops; and mass merchandisers, including drug store 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%.


* Typically, a major U.S. candle manufacturer will offer 1,000 to 2,000 varieties of candles in its product line.


* Types of candles manufactured in the U.S. include: tapers, straight-sided dinner candles, columns, pillars, votives, wax-filled containers and specialty candles. Many of these come in different sizes and fragrances, and all come in a range of colors.


* Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.


* Candles can range in retail price from approximately 50¢ for a votive candle to around $75 for a large column candle, although a specialty candle could be as much as $200.


* Candle shipments increase substantially during the third quarter of the year because of the seasonal nature of candle sales during the end-of-year holiday celebrations (including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa), since candles play a large role at this time of year (religious occasions, gifts and decorations).


* Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape. Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic, with three-fourths of candle purchasers saying it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle for the home.

* Candle manufacturers' surveys show that 96% of all candles purchased are bought by women.

* Two-thirds of candle purchasers say they use candles once a week or more often. Women are more frequent users than men, and younger people tend to use candles more often than older adults.

* Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%) and the bedroom (13%).

* Consumers say they typically burn candles for just under three hours.

* Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.

* Candle purchasers view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).

* Tea lights are the most frequently purchased type of candle, followed by votives and container candles.

National Candle Association