Holiday Gift Store Closing Some Locations: What To Know In NJ

The maker of Yankee Candle, which has twelve stores in New Jersey, said Monday it plans to close 20 stores and lay off more than 900 workers, or 10 percent of its workforce, in a cost-cutting move.

Over the years, Yankee Candle stores have been a mall staple for stocking stuffers and other holiday gifts.

Newell Brands, the chain’s parent company, did not specify which stores would close, but said they are located in the United States and Canada. Layoffs are set to begin this month, the company said in a statement.

Yankee Candle stores in New Jersey are found at:

• Freehold Raceway Mall (3710 Route 9, Freehold)
• Jackson Premium Outlets (537 Monmouth Road, Jackson)
• Jersey Shore Premium Outlets (One Premium Outlet Blvd., Tinton Falls)
• Hamilton Marketplace (402 Marketplace Blvd., Hamilton)
• Bridgewater Commons (400 Commons Way, Bridgewater)
• Newport Centre (30-109C Mall Drive West, Jersey City)
• Mount Laurel (46-B Centerton Road, Mount Laurel)
• Wayne (1785 Willowbrooke Avenue, Wayne)
• Rockaway Townsquare (301 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rockaway)
• Paramus Park (700 Paramus Park, Paramus)
• Gloucester Premium Outlets (100 Premium Outlets Dr., Blackwood)
• Deptford Mall (1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford)

Atlanta-based Newell’s other brands include Sharpie, Mr. Coffee, Oster, Rubbermaid and Sunbeam.

Newell Brands, a publicly traded company, launched a turnaround plan in 2023 to boost sales. The strategy includes increasing the use of automation, digitization, and artificial intelligence “to simplify operations, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen execution across functions.”

“We’ve made meaningful progress executing our strategy and strengthening Newell Brands, but there is more work to do,” company president and CEO Chris Peterson said in the statement. “This productivity plan is about taking the next, disciplined step to enhance efficiency, sharpen our strategic focus, and deliver stronger, more consistent performance.”