The Harsh Reality: Yankee Candle Cutting 900 Jobs in 2026
If you’ve been sensing a disturbance in the retail space—or perhaps just a disturbance in the supply of “MidSummer’s Night” votives—you are not imagining things. Newell Brands, the corporate behemoth behind everyone’s favorite jarred scents, has announced heavy news just in time for the slow days of winter.
The parent company of Yankee Candle announced plans to lay off roughly 900 employees globally and permanently close around 20 of its retail stores across North America. It’s a move they’re calling a “global productivity plan.” Is it a ploy to buy time to rebuild, or simply another iconic brand suffering from mass consumerism?
The Human Cost of “Streamlining”
Behind the press releases and stock market jargon are faces and people. We’re talking about 900 individuals—corporate and clerical staff—who are waking up to the reality of job hunting. 10% of Newell Brands’ professional workforce are showing up to empty desks or empty Zoom rooms.
The company has stated that the manufacturing and supply chain operations won’t be heavily impacted,i.e., the factory in Whately, Massachusetts, and the flagship Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, remain safe for now. However, still a tough pill to swallow for the communities affected.
CEO Chris Peterson framed the decision as a necessary step to “enhance efficiency” and “sharpen strategic focus.” And while that might soothe shareholders, it doesn’t offer much comfort to the employee packing a box of personal belongings. This is a harsh reminder that even brands that sell warmth and comfort can be cold when the bottom line is at stake.
Which Stores are Going Dark?
So, will your local mall lose its best-smelling tenant? Perhaps.
Newell Brands hasn’t released a hit list of specific locations yet, but they have confirmed that about 20 stores in the U.S. and Canada will close their doors. These closures are slated for January, a time when retail is typically taking a breather after the chaotic holiday rush. Layoffs come hard at any time of year, but the winter months prove to be traditionally brutal.
The company claims these specific locations account for only about 1% of the brand’s sales. If you’re a loyalist who prefers sniffing “Sugar Cookie” in person rather than online, you might want to double-check if your local shop is on the chopping block.
Yankee Candle’s Cost‑Cutting Pivot: 900 Jobs on the Line
Fragrances are powerful in their own right, but Yankee Candle combines the best of both ambiance and the aromas of one’s childhood. Despite the ongoing desire to use candles, Newell Brands has had a rough go of it lately.
In late 2025, they reported sales declines and shrinking profit margins, largely blaming tariffs and “trade disruptions.” When it costs more to move goods around the world, companies start looking internally to see where they can trim the proverbial “fat.”
The solution is a pivot toward automation and artificial intelligence. The company explicitly mentioned using AI to “simplify operations” and “accelerate decision-making.” It seems the robots are helping executives decide who gets to keep their jobs.
The goal is to save the company somewhere between $110 million and $130 million annually, according to reports. It’s a massive chunk of change that they hope will steer the ship back toward consistent growth.
What This Means for Candle Lovers
For the average consumer, the immediate impact might feel minimal. You can still buy your candles online, and most stores (roughly 260 of them) will remain open. The flagship “Village” experience in South Deerfield—a pilgrimage site for the truly devoted—is staying put.
However, this is yet another signal that the retail landscape is shifting beneath our feet. The mall experience we grew up with is shrinking, replaced by digital storefronts and “omnichannel strategies.”
So, if you love your local Yankee Candle store, maybe go buy a candle. Only time will tell if Yankee Candle will rebound after the layoffs and retain its place among enduring brands in the US.
