As the first hint of autumn touches the air in New York City, the desire to fill our homes with the warm glow of candlelight is universal. The question isn't if you should buy a candle, but where. A quick search for "who sells candles?" opens up a world of options, from the corner drugstore to luxury online boutiques.
But not all candles ,and not all sellers, are created equal. This guide will walk you through the landscape of candle retailers, helping you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make a conscious, informed choice for your home.
1. Mass Market Retailers (Big-Box Stores & Drugstores)
This is the most common and accessible category, including stores like Target, HomeGoods, and major pharmacy chains.
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Pros: Highly convenient, wide availability, and typically the lowest price point.
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Cons: The low price almost always comes at a cost to quality and health. These candles are overwhelmingly made from cheap paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct) which can release toxins into your air. They often use low-grade synthetic fragrances and offer little to no transparency about their ingredients.
2. Specialty & Department Stores
This tier includes high-end retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's, as well as specialized home decor boutiques.
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Pros: A curated selection of established luxury brands and a beautiful in-store shopping experience.
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Cons: A higher price tag doesn't always guarantee better ingredients. Many famous luxury candle brands still use paraffin or paraffin-blend waxes. Your connection is with the store, not the maker, so the brand's story and commitment to quality can get lost.
3. Local Makers & Artisan Markets
This includes sellers at local craft fairs, farmers' markets, and on platforms like Etsy.
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Pros: You get to support a small business and often find unique, handmade products using natural waxes like soy or beeswax.
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Cons: Quality can be inconsistent from one maker to the next. They may lack the rigorous safety testing, design sophistication, and complex fragrance development of a dedicated, professional brand.
4. The Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Brand
This is where brands like Mbur Candle Co. live. We are the makers, the curators, and the retailers, all in one.
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Unbeatable Pros:
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Total Transparency: When you buy directly from the maker, you get the full story. We can tell you exactly why we chose 100% pure beeswax for its air-purifying qualities, wooden wicks for their clean burn, and phthalate-free fragrances for your peace of mind.
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Uncompromised Quality: With no middlemen, we invest in the details that others skip: extra-thick glass vessels, durable waterproof labels, and a special safety clip for a full and complete burn.
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The Full Experience: You connect directly with our brand's personality, from our clean, minimalist designto our fun candle names like Touch Grass and Out of Office. It's more than a purchase; it's joining a community.
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Direct-to-You Value: By removing the retail markup, we can offer a premium, handcrafted, non-toxic product at a more accessible price point than comparable department store luxury brands.
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The Verdict: Where Should You Buy Your Next Candle?
So, who sells candles? It seems like everyone. But the better question is: who sells candles that align with your values for health, quality, and thoughtful design?
We invite you to bypass the overwhelming aisles and the inconsistent markets. Experience the difference of buying directly from a brand that is obsessed with every detail. We are Mbur Candle Co., and we don't just sell candles we craft experiences.
