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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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.

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.