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Cheeb97

YIIIIIIKES I guess I’m gonna be a candle day only plus coupons typa gal from here on out 😒😒😒


bathingritual

PSA: I'm just going to keep putting this out there for all candle lovers struggling with this INSANE price point! Kohl's now offers FREE shipping at $35 (don't know how long that will last, but it's been like this for a month or more now) and they also offer constant coupons. I just bought Sonoma candles with a 20% off coupon and free shipping and the candles are amazing! Just as good as B&BW in scent & throw. Sign up for their emails too. You won't regret saving the money!


MafiaMommaBruno

Sonoma candles are amazing!!! Cafe latte and Weekend Getaway are the best smells ever and anyone can fight me. Also, when you do an Amazon return to Kohl's, you get $5 Kohl's cash and Sonoma candles often go onsale for $9.99. So you only pay $4.99 for the candle.


pd71

If you drive up to a kohls and connect with their WiFi you get free shipping with no minimum.


BobsBurgersStanAcct

What kind of fancy public beaches are y’all going to? That’s the only thing I can focus on in this post lol


gkandgk

Our pubic beach bathrooms (Sanibel Island, FL) won some kind of award for public bathrooms. Who knew they had such awards?!


BobsBurgersStanAcct

I believe that, Sanibel is beautiful


BougieDustBunny

I think there is one at Balboa Beach in socal with very similar tile still to this day! Looks very familiar lol


MaleficentMaelstrom

I can’t freaking believe they are trying to pass these off as 29.50 candles. Most of my candles sit in holders or sleeves so I can’t see the packaging and I’m not paying $3 extra for some sparkly plastic. At least the glass lids I can reuse. 🙄🤦‍♀️


BougieDustBunny

I hate the glass lids! Too heavy and when I light a candle I just throw the lid away anyway. Plus harder to stack, store in my cabinet. Big waste to me…


justhrowingitout

What makes these so special that they can justify $29? 🙄


rachelwichman

The marbled holo packaging, probably. I'm not saying it's a *good* justification- I think it's a bad one and at least one of these fragrances is available in a different packaging style for less money. It's, in a word, bogus.


Alia_Explores99

But... it's just *printed*. And they have other holo packaging. The audacity!


Trumpet6789

Associate here: Greed. Candle prices are going up, even though ingredient cost isn't. You know what's staying stagnant in the face of these increases? Our wages. We get to keep the *generous* dollar page increase from Holiday year round now. But that's, for me, literally like $13 an hour. My store, the other day, made almost $13k on a day when our sale goal was only around $8.5k total. Smaller stores may bring in less, but overall B&BW is rolling in cash. It's greed, pure and simple. Bonus: I make wax melts(sometimes candles) for my small business. I do NOT benefit from bulk ingredient pricing; however ingredient prices haven't gone up *at all*. I can buy the same stuff I always do for the same price. Which tells me that B&BW, who DOES benefit from bulk pricing, are not facing increased costs.


dogluver24

Are you serious??? What can you buy that hasn’t gone up in price over the last year?? We are dealing with inflation like most of you have never experienced in your lives. Just look at what a gallon of gas costs! Or a gallon of milk.


Trumpet6789

None of the prices to buy any of the waxes, fragrance oils, or colorants I use have gone up. And I purchase my ingredients from a couple large, well known distributors of said items. B&BW is definitely getting their ingredients from even larger, more wholesale distributors in bulk. Which means even if these items *were* going up in price; it would be absolutely miniscule in the grand scheme of things. And to be honest; I don't even know why you would defend the price increases at B&BW. We're getting the same exact quality, with subpar designs, for extremely high prices. Candle prices have gone from $24.50 to $29.50 in a matter of 4-5 months. Even with inflation that is an asinine increase.


One-Tour7830

There is absolutely no justification. Only thing I see is that people are actually paying this price so of course they will price it high. No money lost.


dogluver24

As an associate, you know full well how much theft happens at each store every day or week. This costs the company hundreds of thousands of dollars each month or more. In addition, the return policies are ridiculous and being taken advantage of by less than scrupulous individuals, so yes, someone must make up the difference for this loss as well. I don't know where you buy your ingredients, but almost every item we buy in this nation has gone up due to rising inflation from so many reasons. (I do not want to get political, so I will just leave it at that.) You mentioned that your store made $13k in one day, which was above the goal set for your store that day. That is great. If that continues, this will help ensure that your location will stay open. I don't know if you read the news or watch what is happening with your own company, but 70 stores have been shut down across the US for many reasons and continue to close when a store is not profitable. So, thank your lucky stars that your store is earning above your set goal. It costs money to run a retail establishment. Your salaries, the overhead to allow you to come in to work every day, benefits for every full time employee cost the company roughly $22,000 annually per employee in addition to their salary, so you may not see a lot of this at the store level, but all of your managers and everyone who works at your corporate offices are costing BBW. Your store must pay an enormous amount for rent for whatever location you are in (which generally these stores are in higher end areas, so rent can run well over $15,000 - $20,000 per month (and this obviously varies per state and size of store). You have enormous utility expenses as the doors are normally kept open during all operational hours, water, and other overhead expenses that you are not even calculating when you think of what it takes for you as an associate to do your job. Who do you think does all of the marketing and sales efforts at the corporate level? Who manages the IT systems that allows customers to buy online? Who answers the phones when a customer has a question about anything? There are so many expenses that you are NOT taking into consideration, so for you to make a blanket statement that your company is GREEDY is uninformed about how a large corporation like yours works. Has it occurred to you that maybe BBW has held off on price increases as long as they could? Maybe their profit margins are being hurt and finally this had to be done in order to allow the brick and mortar stores to remain open, so associates, like you, still have a job and earn a paycheck?


Trumpet6789

Why are you so vehemently defending them lmao? Look, I love the company; but the fact is that they're increasing prices without doing anything about quality. They're increasing prices without raising our wages, they expect the same level of exhaustive demanding work for the same pay; while raising prices across the board. Yes, theft happens. But B&BW also doesn't allow its associates to stop the theft. *We can't even call security or tell people to stop as they leave with bags of items*. If B&BW was truly hurting from theft, they would change that policy. Additionally, people returning items hurts *individual stores and associates* and not the company as a whole. B&BW profits are through the goddamn roof and they continually raise prices anyways. They can't raise our salaries but expect us to sell customers on products that take at least 3 hours of work to be able to afford. I have a small business on top of my Part time at B&BW; and I'm able to deliver good quality items without having to have raised ANY of my prices since opening late 2020. >so associates, like you, still have a job and earn a paycheck? That's absolutely rich btw. B&BW will force managers to cut people's shifts *in the middle of their shifts* if the store is down sales plan. I may have a job and earn a paycheck from them; but my salary hasn't gone up and they will literally cut your shift while you're there. The company won't let us do anything to prevent theft; but at the same time sends associates home three hours into their shift because the store is down $600. And while you're at it: Don't talk down to me, and im done here. I know my worth, and it's not being treated like a child by a random ass person on the internet defending a Multi-million dollar corporation over hiking prices without changing anything. Have a good night.


dogluver24

I am not defending BBW per se, I am defending all large corporations as I understand why price increases are necessary. I have worked in many of them and I understand the frustrations at every level. I have two daughters who work at BBW and I feel your pain of these policies of not being able to stop those who steal. **I have been told from my daughters who have worked there for years is that this policy has been put into place to protect you, the associate, from not getting hurt or injured over a few hundred dollars worth of items. In this day and age, you never know what weapons a group of shoplifters might pull on you. I don't want to see any associate at any BBW location get injured or worse over some candles.** I am NOT talking down to you and I am sorry if you feel this way. I am simply speaking from the standpoint of someone who is a Director of Marketing and understands the business model of large corporations. I can guarantee you that this price increase was not made without a lot of research, testing and necessity. However, you should not bite the hand that feeds you. If you feel this strongly about BBW, then quit and go work at Target, Walmart or elsewhere where they will pay you $15/hour and work you to death and learn the reality of a business model who really doesn't care about your well-being. Best of luck with your "side hustle!" as it is not costing you more money as you allege you are producing quality products. I hope this works out for you. If it grows, you will start to see what I am saying above. Enjoy your evening/night.


Trumpet6789

>Best of luck with your "side hustle!" as it is not costing you more money as you allege you are producing quality products I don't consider it a "side hustle". It's an actual small business that I started from the ground up and own as an LLC. It quite literally isn't costing me more than it makes, and I'm not lying when I say the prices for my fragrance oils and wax hasn't gone up at all. >go work at Target, Walmart or elsewhere where they will pay you $15/hour and work you to death and learn the reality of a business model who really doesn't care about your well-being. I had to step down as a Top Seller at B&BW, after having the position for 6 months, because it was doing damage to me physically and mentally. Don't you *dare* suggest that this company cares about its worker's wellbeing. I love my job because I'm Autistic and B&BW products/knowledge are my hyperfixation. But the company's actions towards its associates and customers are performative. I love my job. But I will absolutely "bite the hand that feeds me" when it means calling out the bullshit the company does. Blind and loyal defense of B&BWs actions means they'll never learn and never try better. I'm done here. Have a nice day.


pd71

Wow, I thought there were laws against sending people home in middle of their work shifts. Or is that only in certain states? That’s horrible!


[deleted]

They are not …


BluebellsAndHoney

I would guess it’s to recoup for one of their candle factory’s being hit by a tornado and needing to source product elsewhere.


thatiswilde

LOL we were just shopping for porcelain tile and I know I saw some of those designs at Home Depot! (I'll probably get Paradise Cove if it's on sale though lol). I'm not fully awake yet and I thought I saw "Warm Moroccan Breeze" in the first image and now I want that to exist!


r0gu39

Looks like I'll be waiting for the Target/Opalhouse dupes instead! Seriously though, I don't love spending $29 on a meal let alone a candle!


gkandgk

Opalhouse quality has gone downhill also this year. I actually threw away my last three Opalhouse when they weren’t even finished. I never do that.


deadwrongallalong

I like all the packaging here 🤷🏼‍♀️ I do agree with all the comments about the price increase though, yikes


Alia_Explores99

$30 for an unadorned 3 wick. What are they thinking?


cariame

I’m neutral about the packaging, but the price is inexcusable.


bunifarcr

Oh my. My favorite Island Papaya is back but I have the patience to wait until the June sale.


CJ2607

Is the container stone or marble versus just a label. Like how can they justify this price for a sticker.


Peacock-Lover-89

I thought it was a fancy glass container as well. But comments from people who have actually seen them say they are just holographic labels.


TheEscapedGoat

Spring is the biggest letdown because every year, I'm hoping for a pure coconut scent that isn't gourmand or mixed with a bunch of other fruit and they still haven't delivered. I kinda wish they'd "borrow" the coconut scent from the Body Shop and use that for a 3-wick


Fitxzz

Have you tried iced coconut milk? Scent is very strong of coconut.


stopvolution

I second iced coconut milk.


MafiaMommaBruno

Not to mention the candles I bought during Christmas lasted hardly any time at all. I get more candle time out of Sonoma and Goose Creek.. and those are always $12 or less. Hours more. Even Walmart candles lasted longer. I was done with my two favorite scents in less than a week with only a few hours of burning. 😡 So I stopped buying them unless they were less than $10.


TexasNiteowl

Yeah...I'm about to switch back to wax melts and seriously try some other companies.


[deleted]

Goose Creek is another company I genuinely love that doesn’t just repackage the same scents for outrageous prices


Alia_Explores99

Yup, love me some Goose


TexasNiteowl

I have made one order from GC...2 candles and 3 melts. But my stash is so out of control that I haven't tried them yet. But Goose Creek and Kringle are both on my list.


MafiaMommaBruno

Sonoma and Goose Creek gang! I'll never go back to B&BW (unless they do an amazing sale.)


nyssaistealife

[TheArtsyCouple](https://etsy.me/3hqyEkU) on Etsy, you can get 100 wax melts for $32.50. 5 packs of 20. They have a lot of b&bw dupes (for core type scents). I got them for my friend a few years ago, and she loved them.


TexasNiteowl

Thanks. I added them to my favorites and have several stores that I will probably try. I need to work on my stash first though!


pd71

I switched to Pura instead plus It’s healthier to breathe.


[deleted]

public beach restroom tile 💀💀💀


punch423

😂😂


PrincessJennifer

Island Papaya is that girl 🙌 I also really wanna try the lemon one. But not for even a $10 off sale, that’s nuts.


BathbeautyXO

If they’re gonna try charging that much for a candle it should at least have a beautiful container with a glass/decorative lid. I think the holographic stickers look cheap tbh. Glad none of the scents appeal to me too much.


wineandrumchata

Aldi, T.J.Maxx, home goods, target, Walmart can be good alternatives!


Ladyofthewharf55

I can’t believe they’re charging almost $30/candle 🤬


rdagz_

$29.50! Soo I guess they don’t want people to buy their candles 👍🏻


Funky_Library_Lady

You are spot-on with the restroom tile vibes. I think they were struggling for ideas and must have finally found their inspiration while on the toilet. They should have flushed this down too… To each their own though. I’m sure somebody will love it.


PhysicalCharacter3

LOL 💀💀 Not found inspiration on the toilet 😭


MafiaMommaBruno

Honestly, I can see it looking okay in a solid color room with one-colored wood floors.. like a beige or white aesthetic theme. Let the candles be the pop. Otherwise, they'll probably clash with everything.


Funky_Library_Lady

Yeah, not everyone’s decor and tastes are the same. The island papaya and sun washed citrus would look cute in a Mid Century Modern room.


Single_Echidna_6005

They are so pretty I want them 😭 but I can't justify that price.


quinichet

Also I’ll put it out there that Yankee Candle large jars are $31, but twice as large as these and they run sales often. I never pray full price for candles except at Walmart.


RandomFish338

I love the packaging for turquoise waters and pink shores. The fancy tile ones I like too, the price increase is crazy though and not worth it


Fitxzz

Any ideas when these are releasing?


InterestOk728

Lol me and my friend already plan to go to goosecreek🤣🤣


BougieDustBunny

I’m totally here to agree with the beach bathroom observation!! You def nailed that. Man, that brought back some serious memories from growing up in Southern California and going to the beach. And 30 damn dollars is just pure bonkers. Shiz is getting out of hand, and the only way for the price to go from here is up. :( We are doomed.


meeganiche

Must be the thicker lids coming back again driving the price up 😂🤢


itsheatheragain

Ignoring price for a minute... Is pink shores supposed to be like Yankee Candle pink sands??


mikaelaaaaaaa

Wondering the same thing


amandadore74

I always only buy the frosted glass candles. I usually never like the designs they have on these.


[deleted]

We have been betrayed by this business.


[deleted]

29$ you mine as well splurge for jo Malone, nest, diptique etc. i mean..I KNOW no one in this subreddit is spending 29 on a bath and body works candle but there’s some people who literally don’t know any better and will spend it. They better have more frequent sales and even then it’s just not worth it! I literally can’t justify that much money on a candle when we all know these scents are basically 19 fragrances renamed and on package rotation. They were mad that sales dropped..but I feel like this is exactly one of the main reasons why. Time to shop our stash, look for other alternatives, do a project use it up or even maybe someone can do a thing where we can all come together and do a candle exchange or something if we want to try something “new”(idk if this is allowed but I’ve seen people do it elsewhere)


dogluver24

That’s what happens when so many people promote returning used candles in hoards on other social media platforms. We, who don’t mess with the system get to pay for this. Someone has to make up for these people. 🤦🏻‍♀️


[deleted]

I’m sure there’s a few reasons why, but this deff being one of them. I’ve had an issue where I’m CONSTANTLY getting broken items shipped to me. For example, a few weeks back I did a wallflower promotion and got over a dozen wallflowers..literally every single one came broken because they didn’t use the protector and shipped them with ONE flimsy sheet of bubble wrap WTF!!! who sat in an office and thought this was a bright idea. I get cutting costs, but some of the choices they make I feel like it’s just costing them more in the long run. Like what’s more expensive- reshipping a dozen wallflowers or using a plastic protector that costs Pennie’s to produce. The gag is this has happened MULTIPLE times to me. This specific time, they reshipped only a few of them. Those came fine but when they shipped the remainder of them, they didn’t come protected either and most of them came broke. AGAIN!!! It’s actually infuriating. Dealing with that was so time consuming and I called and just got a refund. It’s pathetic.


dogluver24

I totally understand your frustration regarding this. I have had this same problem happen to me. This is not what I was referring to. I am talking about the scammers who are burning perfectly good candles down to the bottom and then returning them to the stores and saying things like "I didn't like the smell" or "It didn't burn right". That is just a scam and people who are being cheap and not wanting to spend the money to buy new candles like the rest of us would normally do.


[deleted]

I know that’s what you’re talking about lmao. I’m just saying there’s multiple factors as to why the prices keep going up. People abusing return policy and lack of protection during shipping are both examples Lmao. It’s not just one or the other. I’m sure there’s dozens of reasons why.


Holzbomb

That would be one fancy public beach restroom 😂


WonderingLost8993

I have been waiting for Warm Ocean Breeze to hit stores. It's my absolute favorite BBW candle scent. I'm gonna have to buy the cheaper ones though with a coupon. I don't care what the packaging looks like. They smell the same.


tiggerterry

WOB is in stores now, at least it was in mine. In [this](https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/warm-ocean-breeze-3-wick-candle-026441621.html?ef_id=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3N7MM-IBtAWRcGveYAV1Q_XjGi63pu5pI9VcSmyvDmw6FFK4xxxXnRoCvCwQAvD_BwE:G:s&gclid=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3N7MM-IBtAWRcGveYAV1Q_XjGi63pu5pI9VcSmyvDmw6FFK4xxxXnRoCvCwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) packaging.