Interesting and fun facts about candles aren’t exactly the subject of Trivial Pursuit or the evening news, but there are some very intriguing pieces of knowledge associated with the commodity nonetheless. Seriously. Just the other day, I was browsing the National Candle Association (NCA) website (yes, there really is such a thing, and at Country Wickhouse Candles, it’s kind of our job to keep abreast of industry news) and I happened across a page full of facts and figures related to candles and the candle industry. You wouldn’t believe, for instance, how much candles are intertwined with our very existence. I know, that sounds extreme, but it’s true. You can check it out for yourself on the very page I read, or you can read on. For your convenience, which is most important to us, I’ve listed some of these facts below, taken directly from the NCA website (this statement and its corresponding link reflect my best attempt at a citation via a blog article). Truly, you’ll be amazed.
Did you know…?
- Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.
- Manufacturer surveys show that 90% of all candles are purchased by women.
- Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost, and shape.
- Candles are principally sold in three types of retail outlets: Specialty or gift shops; department and home décor stores; mass merchandisers (discount stores, drug store chains, grocery stores, etc.).
- Approximately 35% of candle sales occur during the Christmas/Holiday season. Non-seasonal business accounts for approximately 65% of candle sales.
- More than 1 billion pounds of wax are used in producing the candles sold each year in the U.S.
- Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home décor, and for aromatherapy-like relaxation and stress reduction.
- Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is “extremely important” or “very important” in their selection of a candle.
- The majority of U.S. consumers use their candles within a week of purchase.
- Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.
- Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%), and the bedroom (13%).
- Approximately one in five women says they use candles to decorate the yard, patio, or other exterior areas, as well as the interior of their home.
- Both men and women consider candles to be an always-acceptable and highly appreciated gift for a wide variety of occasions.
- Candle purchasers say they 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%).
Interesting, huh? Just when you thought you knew a lot about candles…If these facts and figures have piqued your interest or inspired your warmer side, stop by our candle shop and take a look around. You can find us on the web here (click the link).
Thanks for reading! We hope to see you browsing our soy candle products!
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