Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Candle firm on way to shopping centre
Luxury retailer Yankee Candle is opening this week in Whitefriars.
The shopping centre has welcomed the American-based firm to the unit previously occupied by Build- A- Bear Workshop.
Yankee Candle has signed a lease until Christmas, and eagle-eyed shoppers posted on the Canterbury Residents’ Facebook page about the opening.
Andrea Kite wrote: “Just got a sneaky look as the workmen went in. Old Build-a-bear is full of Yankee candles!”
Build- A- Bear closed last December when Whitefriars management failed to “reach a mutually acceptable agreement” over the renewal of its lease.
Shopping centre spokesman Martyn Barr confirmed Yankee Candle has signed a lease for the unit, initially until Christmas.
He said: “We don’t know Yankee Candles’ longer-term plan but it’s a very good product for Christmas and a nice fit with everything else in Whitefriars.”
The store was originally set to open on Friday but technical issues delayed its launch until this week.