Candle Season 2024
After several months of launches and closures, the supply side of our industry has been rather quiet for the last month. Stability is good! Here’s hoping the upcoming 2024 candle season is prosperous for all.
Speaking of candle season, there are 21 weeks until September 01 when many companies in the Northern Hemisphere start launching their Fall lines. It may seem early to newer folks in the industry, but NOW is the time to start planning for Fall/Holiday 2024.
If you’re one of the newbies to the industry, here’s what to expect:
- Fragrance companies will typically start releasing new Fall/Holiday scents in June and July. New scents generally sell out quickly (especially with well-established vendors) and frequently go on backorder from the launch date until the end of the year. If you’re counting on a new release for your product line, buy early and start testing right away.
- Stock up on wax and vessels early in the season. They, too, frequently go into backorder during high production periods of August – October.
- Processing and shipping times during the high season are generally longer. Many companies will have processing times listed on their website as a courtesy. However, be prepared for longer-than-usual turn around times. Don’t wait until the last minute to place an order for necessary supplies.
- Shipping companies add a surcharge during the holiday delivery season, usually October through January. They typically announce the surcharge dates in June and July. Buy your heavier supplies before the surcharges take effect to save some cash.
- Announcements for Fall/Holiday markets and faires will begin soon. If you plan on selling at events, start researching now and get your application information ready. Spaces can be competitive and booth space expensive.
- Start crafting a production schedule NOW. If you’re launching FALL on September 01 and your wax needs 4 weeks to cure, you need to finish pouring on August 01. That means all of your supplies need to be on hand and inventoried before then. Of course, you’ll need to have tested your candles especially if you’re using new fragrance oils or waxes. Again, if your candles need to cure for 4 weeks, you’ll need to pour in June and have finished testing by mid-July at the latest. JUNE 01 is 8 weeks out from today.
- Don’t forget to start your marketing efforts early! It’s no use making products if no one knows about them.
Good luck and best wishes for a prosperous 2024!