Chandlery shops sold nautical supplies to ships in the 18th and 19th centuries. They expanded to offer more supplies and are now modern sailing ship grocery stores, offering technologically advanced products. Some stores still specialize in candles as a nod to the original meaning. Chandlery shops are found in North America and Europe.
Born out of historical necessity, a chandlery was a shop that sold nautical parts, tools, and other products to sea-bound ships. The chandelier first came to prominence in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when ships were the preferred method of transportation for the lucrative industries of freight shipping, fishing, and whaling, among other areas. The chandelier in its simplest form served as a storehouse for stockpiling wax and tallow candles, soaps, oils, paints, ropes, and other things sailors would need to aid them on their voyages.
Mostly around the 18th century, the owners installed their chandeliers along the docks, which were mainly concerned with providing illumination on board the ships passing the dock. As the business expanded through success in industries requiring sea transit, the woodshop was able to increase its inventory assortment and began offering other essential supplies for seagoing vessels.
Today, a chandlery is more or less a modern day sailing ship grocery store. The chandlery often offers the essentials alongside more technologically advanced products. As people are also starting to purchase boats for recreational purposes instead of just commercial operations, the demand for marine gear and components has not diminished. Many online shops in the chandelier sector now also offer modernly developed accessories such as electrical equipment, furniture, sailing clothing, safety equipment and navigation instruments. Chandeliers are mostly found in North America (especially Canada) and Europe (especially the UK), where boating is popular as both a sport and a trade.
In ancient times, the retailer of a chandlery was a chandler, who in addition to managing the shop’s processes also specialized in the production of candles. Nowadays, in an effort to preserve the original meaning of a chandlery, some stores that offer nautical accessories emphasize candles as a specialty. Sold as personalized gifts, these candles are repurposed as corporate gifts, gift baskets, party favors, or as part of a wedding centerpiece.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
