Popular Gift Chain Plans Store Closures, Layoffs

Yankee Candle, which has 22 stores in Pennsylvania, plans to close 20 stores and lay off more than 900 workers 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.

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.”

Specific details on which stores would close were not immediately available. Pennsylvania Yankee Candle locations include stores in Willow Grove, Warrington, King of Prussia and more. A full list of Pennsylvania stores can be found here.