U.S. candle consumer retail sales for 200l are projected at over $2.3 billion, not including candle accessories. Since the early l990s, the industry has averaged a growth rate of l0–l5 percent annually. In recent years, this growth has doubled. There are more than 300 known commercial, religious, and institutional manufacturers of candles in the United States, as well as many small craft producers for local, noncommercial use.

Candles are sold principally in three types of retail outlets: department stores, specialty and gift shops, and mass merchandisers, including drugstore chains, supermarkets, and discount stores. The U.S. market is typically separated into seasonal (Christmas, holiday) business at roughly 35 percent, and nonseasonal business at about 65 percent.

Typically, a major U.S. candle manufacturer will offer l,000 to 2,000 varieties of candles in its product line. Types of candles manufactured in the United States include: tapers, straight-sided dinner candles, columns, pillars, votives, wax-filled containers, and novelties. Many of these come in different sizes and fragrances, and all come in a range of colors. Candles can range in retail price from approximately 50 cents for a votive candle to around $75.00 for a large column candle, although a specialty candle could cost as much as $200.

Candle shipments increase substantially during the third quarter of the year because of the seasonal nature of candle sales during the end-of-year holiday celebrations (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa), since candles play a large role at this time of year — they are used for religious purposes, and as gifts and decorations.

Candle industry research findings indicate that the most important factors affecting candle sales are color, shape, and scent. Fragrance is the most important element when it comes to selecting candles for the home. Candles are used in seven out of ten American households. A majority of consumers burn candles for less than three hours per occasion, between one and three times per week, with about half of them burning one to two candles at a time. And here is another interesting finding: Candle manufacturers' surveys show that 96 percent of all candles purchased are bought by women. For more information on candle manufacturing statistics, contact National Candle Association, l030 l5th Street, Suite 870, Washington, D.C. 20005; www.candles.org.