Four years after launching its website, online retailer Wicked Candle Company has opened its first brick and mortar showroom and manufacturing facility. The showroom stocks a selection of hand-poured scented candles, giftware and artwork displays by local artists.
The decision to open a brick and mortar store is part of an aggressive growth strategy and new direction, says director of business development and customer relations, Shane Thomson.
“We are expanding our wholesale database and exploring options to increase our retail presence all while maintaining a competitive edge and point of difference,” he says. “We decided to go offline to give customers and clients the opportunity to touch and feel our tangible product, smell what we have to offer and explore different options for creating custom products. This is impossible to do online.
“We also offer a unique customer experience whereby our customers receive complimentary tea tastings and the opportunity to browse in our chilled-out atmosphere as they soak up the ambiance.”
The 40 square metre Rockingham showroom provides some much-needed space to meet production requirements, keep up with the growing demand and accommodate future expansions.
“Not only is the store much needed, but the eco friendliness and quality of the products is something that should be shared. All products are Australian made, a step above what is commonly found in the commercial world and retail chains. Wicked Candle Company is also Australian owned and operated,” Thomson adds.
“This is our chance to really showcase who we are and what we are about. We have set ourselves some really challenging goals in the future and this is the first step in that journey. If it all goes well, I might even give up my day job. I look forward to meeting the people of Rockingham when they come down to see what we have to offer and to support the people in our community.”
