Has the slowdown in candle sales forced a leading manufacturer in the segment to start looking elsewhere for growth? The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. today announced plans to open a Home Store at the South Deerfield Flagship Store. To be located in the spa

Construction of the 16,500 square-foot Home Store is scheduled to begin in January 2002. Renovations will also include up to 20 cash registers, expanded storage and stock areas, and enlarged entrances from the Kringle Market and North end of the building. The Home Store is expected to open in summer 2002.

“We are very excited about this new retail concept at the South Deerfield store,” said Gail Flood, senior vice president, retail. “I think that this evolution into stylish country elegance in home decor, furnishings and accents is a natural next step for Yankee Candle. Our guests will be delighted not only with the range of new home products, but also with the sophisticated ambiance in the store. It will be full of ideas that our guests can borrow for their own homes.”