May 21, 2009

Longaberger partners with Yankee Candle Co.By Kent MalletNewarkAdvocate.com

Newark — The Longaberger Co. announced Tuesday that Yankee Candle Co. Inc. has opened a store at Longaberger Homestead, near Frazeysburg.

The partnership marks the first time Longaberger has allowed an outside retailer to open a store at the Homestead, the company’s 10-year-old retail and entertainment center that has, until now, featured only venues and attractions exclusive to Longaberger.

Yankee Candle, which boasts of being the nation’s leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of premium scented candles, opened without announcement April 24 on the first floor of the Homestead’s Victorian-themed home.

The venture grew from a partnership the companies forged in the past two years, when Longaberger traveled to Yankee Candle’s headquarters and primary retail store in South Deerfield, Mass., for a Basket Festival event.

“We’re excited by it,” Longaberger spokesman Tom Matthews said. “Every year, we look at how we’re using space there (at the Homestead) and what the demand is.”

The Victorian home was the site of the Sentimental Rose Tea Garden Gift Shop until a couple of years ago. The home’s first floor was used last year to display core products and home shows for tour groups. The second floor will continue to be used for offices.

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