Colonial Candle Celebrates Centennial
This summer, Colonial Candle celebrates its 100th year in business. Its parent company, Midwest-CBK, will celebrate this landmark centennial and recognize retailers for their continuous dedication and support through the years with a new, limited-edition fragrance called “Celebrate! by Colonial Candle,” with notes of exotic sheer spice, lush white floral, blue jasmine, pink geranium, white iris, vanilla orchid, crystal amber, silken musk and white musk. The company also has planned 100 days of savings on bestselling products and special events during the summer markets. In part to commemorate this event, Colonial Candle was featured on the June 2009 cover of Lawn & Garden Retailer.
“The key to Colonial’s longevity continues to be our founding motto: exceptional-quality candles dedicated to design excellence and recognized as the gold standard for candles, home fragrance and décor,” said Frederic Contino, president of Midwest-CBK.
Colonial Candle has always been a pioneer and leader in building and growing the candle industry. Founded in 1909 in Massachusetts by Mabel Baker, Colonial Candle was the first U.S. candle company founded and owned by a woman, which was very rare at the turn of the century. She was inspired by stories of pilgrims making candles from the native bayberries growing nearby. She followed their process, including hand-braiding cotton wicks and hand-dipping taper candles as many as 35 times each to create special Christmas gifts for her friends and family. Her candles were in such high demand that she began selling them in stores on Cape Cod.
Over time, Baker expanded the business but always remained focused on providing exceptional quality and innovation. In 1921, Baker’s husband, Walter, joined the thriving business, and they built their first candle factory. In 1925, Walter developed the industry’s first-ever solid colored candle. Colonial also was the first company in the industry to offer candle accessories and, later, fragranced candles made with scented oils. Baker remained active in the business until her death in 1965, and in 2005, Colonial joined the Midwest-CBK family.
Today, Colonial Candles are still made in the United States, and North Carolina’s Department of Environmental and Natural Resources recognized Colonial in 2008 as the first major U.S. candle factory as an Environmental Partner for its ongoing commitment to recycling, conserving natural resources and reducing energy consumption.
Anniversary Specials
The “Celebrate! by Colonial Candle” will be available at the summer markets through Aug. 18 in two formats, 22-ounce and 8-ounce oval container candles, at a special anniversary discount suggested retail price of $15 and $9, respectively (typically, these candles are $25 and $15).
And to thank customers for their loyalty, Colonial Candle will offer 100 days of savings at the summer markets, along with 100th anniversary events sponsored by Midwest-CBK.
- Atlanta: 3 to 7 p.m. July 10, AmericasMart Building One, Suite 16A7
- Chicago: 3 to 7 p.m. July 18, Merchandise Mart, Suite 13-155
- Dallas: 3 to 7 p.m. June 26, World Trade Center, Suite 407
- New York: 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 17, 7 West, Suite 500
- Seattle: 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 21, Pacific Market Center, Suite 133 & 134
For more information, contact your Midwest-CBK account manager, call (800) 776-2075 or visit www.midwestofcannonfalls.com.
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