By Tim Ryan

The Downtown Norfolk Council and Selden Market are thrilled to welcome Norfolk Candle as the newest addition to their vibrant retail incubator. Founded by Brandon Brinkley, who boasts a successful fashion career in New York City, Norfolk Candle is set to bring a unique blend of eco-friendly, hand-poured soy candles and curated gift items to the heart of Downtown Norfolk.

Brandon Brinkley’s journey back to Norfolk has been nothing short of inspiring. After years in the fashion industry, he returned to his roots, creating candles from home and selling them at local pop-ups and markets. His products quickly became a favorite at the Ghent Farmers Market, where Norfolk Candle has become a seasonal staple. Brinkley’s relationship with Selden Market is longstanding, having showcased his candles at numerous events and the former storefront, Velvet Witch.

“We are thrilled to see one of our favorite regular pop-ups take the next step in its Selden tenure as an incubator storefront,” said Careyann Weinberg, Director of Economic Vitality for Downtown Norfolk Council. “We look forward to continuing to be a part of the business’ growth and can’t wait to see what Brandon has in store for us next.”

Norfolk Candle’s new storefront will offer an array of hand-poured soy candles in unique glasses and jars, along with a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts. Brinkley emphasizes the store’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ artists and maintaining eco-friendly practices.

“I chose Norfolk to open my brick & mortar location because I love our city and its diverse population and want to help celebrate that,” says Brinkley. “I am looking forward to opening a storefront in Selden Market because it’s a dynamic space that is constantly supporting local makers, artists, and small businesses.”

The grand opening of Norfolk Candle is scheduled for the first week of July, with a celebratory ribbon-cutting event on Friday, July 19 at 11 am. This new addition to Selden Market promises to add a fresh, inclusive, and locally-focused shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.

Selden Market, renowned for its innovative approach to retail incubation, offers business owners the opportunity to test ideas and concepts with low rent and low-risk options. This model has garnered national attention, becoming a benchmark for cities across the United States. The market features an eclectic mix of high-quality small businesses, with a majority being women- and minority-owned.

Currently, Selden Market is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, with some stores offering additional hours. Stay updated on Selden Market’s events and announcements by following them on Instagram.

As Selden Market prepares for a 2024 renovation and expansion within the historic Selden Arcade, it continues to thrive under the management of the Downtown Norfolk Council. The DNC, a private, not-for-profit membership organization, is dedicated to creating a dynamic, attractive, and prosperous downtown. The Council also manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District, ensuring enhanced services that keep the area friendly, safe, and spotless.

You can download a copy of the official press release here.