With all of the new colours, scents and themes, candles have become a hot home furnishings accessory and gift item. Seven out of 10 North American households use candles for decorative, therapeutic and practical purposes. In fact, Carlton Cards reports candle sales have more than doubled since 1997, and from gift shops to grocery stores, retailers are cashing in on the candle trend. Scent, colour, and shape are the most important influences on the candle purchase decision.
Fragrance is also an important element in the selection of candles for the home.
Floral and fruit aromas remain popular, while less traditional scents like coffee, chocolate and liquers continue to grow in popularity. The top-selling scent from Carlton Cards' GuildHouse candle collection is vanilla, followed by black cherry, orchid, fresh apple, blueberry and peach. The candle category is a beacon of light in the gift industry. The candle industry generates more than two billion in annual sales in North America. Since the early 1990s, the National Candle Association has reported that overall candle sales are growing at a rate of 10 to 15 percent each year.