Yankee Candle Could Be Closing Nearly A Dozen Stores In New Jersey

Yankee Candle began in 1969 when Massachusetts teenager Mike Kittredge melted crayons to make a Christmas gift for his mom, only to have a neighbor buy it, sparking the idea for a small candle-making venture that quickly outgrew his family's kitchen. He relocated production to an old mill, steadily building a brand renowned for its strong scents, signature jar candles, and vast array of fragrances.

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Through the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, the company expanded into malls, gift shops, and its own retail locations, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable candle makers in the U.S. as it changed ownership through several major corporate acquisitions but kept its origins rooted in that first homemade candle.

Yankee Candle has a really large fragrance lineup, with the total number reaching into the hundreds, and most sources suggest that about 250 of those scents are currently in circulation.

Yankee Candles have been a huge holiday gift resource, with millions enjoying their fantastic candles over the years. We have all gone into a Yankee Candle store to find a Christmas gift over the years. So, news that nearly a dozen New Jersey stores could be affected by upcoming cost-cutting measures really stinks!

Yankee Candle Could Be Closing Some Locations: What To Know In New Jersey

According to a post from Patch, "The maker of Yankee Candle, which has twelve stores in New Jersey, said Monday it plans to close 20 stores and lay off more than 900 workers, or 10 percent of its workforce, in a cost-cutting move."

Yankee Candle officials announced that layoffs are set to begin this month. They provided a statement.

What Yankee Candle Stores Could Be Affected By Cost-Cutting Measures In NJ?

• Freehold Raceway Mall (3710 Route 9, Freehold)
• Jackson Premium Outlets (537 Monmouth Road, Jackson)
• Jersey Shore Premium Outlets (One Premium Outlet Blvd., Tinton Falls)
• Hamilton Marketplace (402 Marketplace Blvd., Hamilton)
• Bridgewater Commons (400 Commons Way, Bridgewater)
• Newport Centre (30-109C Mall Drive West, Jersey City)
• Mount Laurel (46-B Centerton Road, Mount Laurel)
• Wayne (1785 Willowbrooke Avenue, Wayne)
• Rockaway Townsquare (301 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rockaway)
• Paramus Park (700 Paramus Park, Paramus)
• Gloucester Premium Outlets (100 Premium Outlets Dr., Blackwood)
• Deptford Mall (1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford)

What's Next For Yankee Candle Company?

According to Patch, company president and CEO Chris Peterson said in the statement. “This productivity plan is about taking the next, disciplined step to enhance efficiency, sharpen our strategic focus, and deliver stronger, more consistent performance.”