Ever wonder who the big kahunas of the candle world are? The companies that started in their kitchens and became huge household names? We do get quite a bit of inquiries on who “we” think are so we thought it was a good idea to list them on their own page for reference.
So here is our list of who we think are the biggest of the big companies that manufacturer candles in the USA. These are candles that are on the shelves of stores across the country as in – department stores, grocery stores, malls, gift shops etc…
#1
Yankee Candles
I may have issues with Yankee candles from time to time as far as quality and strength but hey… these guys started it all, the Pioneers… they absolutely deserve the #1 spot. This company is constantly creating new scents, changing their styles and brand and because of their success, copied left and right. They are by far THE biggest candle company on the planet. I still find myself walking into a Yankee store and smelling all their delights. And you bet I walk away with a few goodies. HELLO!!!!
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#2
Colonial Candle
Next up, Colonial Candles. This company is on a scale of their own as in – – HUGE! You can find this brand in tons of stores across the country making them easily available much to our candle loving delight. Colonial offers many signature scents in beautiful and elegant styles.
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#3
White Barn Candles
We get the most inquiries on this company more than any other. Very popular brand of candles so many candle lovers want to get their hands on. They used to have stand alone stores in malls tied to Bath & Body Works stores but that phazed out in early 2000. I don’t know why. Now these candles are found exslusively in Bath & Body Works stores or on their website.
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#4
Virginia Candle / WoodWick Candles
Virginia Candles are next up. This company started selling all soy candles in a variety of styles from country to classic until they created their amazing WoodWick candles. They’re candles are pretty much exclusive WoodWicks now. And I know why, these candles ROCK!! If you’ve never tried one… you’re missing out. With their crackling sound and unique scents… they’re worth every penny.
Just an FYI… Yankee now owns the WoodWick brand so you’ll have to go to their site to purchase this brand.
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#5
Bridgewater Candles
Bridgewater are another powerhouse company worth noting. Established in 1998 in Spartanburg, South Carolina where they quickly became a leader in the candle market with a reputation for its clean burning candles. Their styles are beautiful and unique. Very classic and elegant. Prices are moderate and in line with their competition. I’ve had great experiences shopping with this company.
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#6
Slatkin & Co
This is another company found exclusively at Bath & Body Works. We list them in our top 10 because they’re tied to such a huge company and became really popular through them. Slatkin & Co offer unique and dreamy scents in Bath & Body Works signature 3 Wick Candles.
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#7
Gold Canyon Candles
The story of Gold Canyon Candles personifies the American dream to me. These are the candles that started me on my candle loving craze that led me to Candlefind so they will always hold a special place with me.
The story of Gold Canyon began in the kitchen of Curt & Karen Waisath in Gilbert, AZ. Karen wanted to earn money while staying home with her children. Disappointed with the candles readily available out there, she saw an opportunity to create the perfect candle. In 1997, she did it. The first fragrance ever created that met Curt & Karen’s high standards was Fresh Orange, which is still available today. Gold Canyon quickly found a loyal and passionate following of people who not only loved their scented candles, but wanted the same opportunity and flexibility that Karen did. In just one year, Gold Canyon grew from one candle to over 26 scented candles in four different sizes.
Today, Gold Canyon has more than 15,700 Independent Fragrance Consultants across North America. That is quite amazing!!
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#8
Village Candles
Another American dream come true. Village Candle began with Paul Aldrich in 1993 where he began making candles and visualizing the future and business he dreamed of creating. It wasn’t long before family and friends began offering suggestions for fragrances and asking Paul to create candles for their personal use, or to present as gifts. Village Candle® candle company was born when, on vacation in Pennsylvania, the car laden with candles for his family they were going to visit, Paul stopped at a candle shop along the way. Quite by accident, this store enthusiastically placed the first of what would turn out to be many, many orders from them, as well as thousands of other retail stores. All their candles are handmade in the State of Maine.
You can now find Village Candles in Hallmark stores across the country as well as grocery stores and various other gift shops and retail outlets. An amazing story!
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#9
Circle E Candles
Circle E Candles is another company destined to make our list. With their beautiful heavy square glass containers in many exclusive signature scents… they are another big company that has made its mark in the candle industry across the country. Located in Fredericksburg Texas, Circle E still hand pours all their candles in their large facility and show room located in the rolling hiss of Texas where they welcome visits and tours to all candle lovers.
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#10
Better Homes and Garden
Better Homes and Garden have become WILDLY popular since their melts at Walmart have taken off. Candle lovers can’t seem to get enough of this brand. I’m not sure how their candles compare to their melts but their melts are pretty darn good. Offered in a variety of styles and scents with super affordable prices… this is a brand of candles growing by leaps and bounds and readily available at all Walmart stores.
And that candle lovers concludes our picks for who we think are the BIGGEST candle companies in the USA. We actually could have listed a few more but tried to keep it to the top 10. Did we get it right? Don’t see a company on our list you think should have made it? Let us know and why!
