08.31.11
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. has opened of first company-owned retail stores in Canada. The company, which currently operates 528 stores in the United States, will open a total of five stores in the greater Toronto area before September 16.
The first three locations in Pickering, St. Catharine's and Hamilton, Ontario are now open. In the coming weeks the company will open stores in Barre and Kitchener, Ontario.
"Recognizing the potential of almost 40 million Canadian consumers, we believe this represents a significant growth opportunity for Yankee Candle," said Harlan Kent, chief executive officer, Yankee Candle. "We recognize the unique product needs of the Canadian market and look forward to building a strong foundation for the future growth and success of Yankee Candle in Canada with this venture."
The new Canadian stores will carry a larger selection of Yankee Candle products than currently offered in the marketplace, including candles and home fragrance products in 60 fragrances as well as candle accessories and gift sets, according to the company.
Yankee Candle products will also continue to be distributed through wholesale channels in Canada by Rich Brands, and are available at select independent gift and specialty stores. The Canadian business will report to James Perley, executive vice president, general counsel and strategic planning.
"We are excited to bring Yankee Candle retail stores to Canada as part of our international expansion and believe that these stores, together with our plans to invest in and grow our existing wholesale business, will allow us to further develop and expand the Yankee Candle brand. We look forward to additional milestone openings around the world," said Kent.
The first three locations in Pickering, St. Catharine's and Hamilton, Ontario are now open. In the coming weeks the company will open stores in Barre and Kitchener, Ontario.
"Recognizing the potential of almost 40 million Canadian consumers, we believe this represents a significant growth opportunity for Yankee Candle," said Harlan Kent, chief executive officer, Yankee Candle. "We recognize the unique product needs of the Canadian market and look forward to building a strong foundation for the future growth and success of Yankee Candle in Canada with this venture."
The new Canadian stores will carry a larger selection of Yankee Candle products than currently offered in the marketplace, including candles and home fragrance products in 60 fragrances as well as candle accessories and gift sets, according to the company.
Yankee Candle products will also continue to be distributed through wholesale channels in Canada by Rich Brands, and are available at select independent gift and specialty stores. The Canadian business will report to James Perley, executive vice president, general counsel and strategic planning.
"We are excited to bring Yankee Candle retail stores to Canada as part of our international expansion and believe that these stores, together with our plans to invest in and grow our existing wholesale business, will allow us to further develop and expand the Yankee Candle brand. We look forward to additional milestone openings around the world," said Kent.