No One Leaves Empty Handed At American Candle
Kirill Lukov Is A Businessman Who Successfully Obtained His 6th Company With The Shoppes At American Candle In The Pocono Mountains
After owning and operating a retail store, a technology business, a beer distribution center, an ice cream store and a cookie store, it was time – once again - for Kirill Lukov and his family to take on a new challenge. Something different. For Lukov, it was The Shops at American Candle, a 30,000 square foot facility in Pocono, almost two hours away from his home in Philadelphia. The store's unique products and vast history in town were what drew Lukov to this new endeavor, its high end jewelry, old fashioned candy, large selection of high quality candles... And he became the new owner in November.
With vast business knowledge, Lukov set to work modernizing and updating American Candle, including the signage and replacing the interior lights with LED. Then there's the painting. The reorganizing. The new displays. The new point of sales system. But despite the updates, Lukov has made sure that American Candle still oozes that same charm it had back when it was opened in the 1978, almost 40 years ago, as a small 800 square foot candle making facility.
“It was founded by a husband and wife,” Lukov recalled. “The husband retired from being a state trooper and wanted to open up his own business. He started the business from just making candles out of a small house and it just blew up. They went with it.”
Making every fragrance imaginable – they're still making new fragrances today – their candles were very popular because they “didn't cut corners.” They have a strong fragrance, even throughout the burning process. And they're made right on the premise, at a little candle factory in the back of the store.
“You can see the candles being made,” gushed Lukov. “We do candle caring demonstrations. We show them how we make different shapes. All kinds of fragrances are being tested or being made. Each batch of candles takes a few hours. They try out different formulas to see what scents it makes. But my favorite will always be French Vanilla.”
And while the store has expanded to include a beloved selection of home décor, holiday decorations, jewelry, unique candies and chocolates and artwork, it's the memories – the history – that has made American Candle a popular destination in Pocono.
“I see comments on our Facebook page from people who have been coming for 10, 20, 30 years. They remember coming when they were little,” said Lukov, “and now they're bringing their kids to share the experience. It's not your conventional store. There's just so much to see and people are always caught off guard by what we have to offer. There's no chance you'll leave empty handed. It's been around so long. It's a big part of the community and everyone knows about it.”
For Lukov, who hasn't even been working at American Candle for a full year, he has relied on the employees to help him maintain the charm and uniqueness of the place. Many employees have been with the company for over 30 years, dating back to when the business had only five employees. These employees not only pay close attention to the charm of American Candle, but make sure it’s operated the same way it was back when it opened, with a commitment to unique and high end products that can't be found anywhere else in the area.
“I've never had anything like this in my career,” said the successful business owner, “where I've gone into a new venture and seen a group of employees this warmhearted and hard working... They really love what they do. They really appreciate it. They take care of this place like it's their own. I've never been a part of anything like this. It's surreal.”
Olivia Richman
A graduate of East Connecticut State University in Journalism, Olivia has written for Stonebridge Press & Antiques Marketplace among others. She enjoys writing, running and video games.
Make Sure To Check Out:
American Candle, where you will find all of your favorite brands including one the Poconos largest selections of Pandora, Vera Bradley, Dansko, Swarovski, Jim Shore, Dept. 56., and so much more!