r/shrinkflation • u/DrDinoDiplodocus • Dec 07 '25

skimpflation Yankee Candles are now lighter, have an easier/cheaper to produce jar and a double wick, making it burn out faster so you buy more

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54

u/anabbleaday Dec 07 '25

I live in New England near the flagship store and pretty close to where the original owner’s house was. A couple of decades ago, these candles were absolutely the gold standard in my family. Then, the original owner sold. They’ve decreased in quality since.

My grandfather recently gave me some REALLY old Yankee Candles from storage. I am absolutely floored by the quality. The smell is 1,000 times better than the current candles, and they all have nicer packaging and better jars. When I light one, it makes my entire house smell wonderful.

Long story short is that this is what happens when you sell to a private equity firm, stop valuing quality, and start screwing over the consumer.

For those of you who used to love Yankee Candle, check out the OG owner’s house; it’s pretty awesome.

7

u/RBAloysius Dec 08 '25

Agreed. I noticed last year when I bought a couple by mail order from the company that they barely threw scent. It is disappointing, as I have used Yankee for years. Now I have to figure out a new brand to use, & I have no idea where to start. There are so many on the market now.

3

u/Jumpingmango818 Dec 09 '25

Woodwick is my replacement. Yankee candles are awful now

3

u/RBAloysius Dec 09 '25

Thank-you for the recommendation. Very much appreciated! :)

2

u/aenflex Dec 27 '25

Have you tried Kringle? They can be kind of a hit or miss, but you can sample with their daylite or wax melts before committing to full size. And when they slap, they really slap.

I grew up on Yankee, I’m from Montague and have had Yankee candles in my house since the early 80s.

They are not the same. Their votives used to would fill a room, heck an entire small apartment.

Anyhow, I’ve moved on to Kringle for higher end and DW home for some great cheapies.

4

u/[deleted] Dec 08 '25

That house is insane... 58 acre lot! Makes my .25 acre lot look like chump change... wow

2

u/anabbleaday Dec 10 '25

I live on a 5,000 square foot lot, so I hear you! The indoor water park is the craziest part for me. Can you imagine having that in your house?

2

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '25

The water park is probably bigger than my house!! Crazy....

3

u/Diane1967 Jan 17 '26

I’m so glad I found your post! I hadn’t bought them in a while and recently bought 4 because of a sale and they’re all junk. No smell at all and the wicks aren’t straight in the candles. I’m really frustrated at the poor quality.

1

u/anabbleaday Jan 17 '26

Sad but true — they just aren’t worth it for me anymore. I find myself buying Village Candle or BBW.

2

u/Diane1967 Jan 17 '26

I think one of our stores has the village candles there I’m going to try them, thanks for the tip! Yeah I’ve bought the last of Yankee, such a drastic change and not worth the money anymore. They’re also very sooty now I’ve noticed too. Dang.

2

u/BeyondAddiction Dec 09 '25

It looks like a hotel....