Recall: Value City, Schottenstein Stores Recall Gel Candle Kits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2002 Release # 02-089

Value City Recall Hotline: (888) 870-9181 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC and Value City, Schottenstein Stores Announce Recall of Gel Candle Kits

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Value City and Schottenstein stores, of Columbus, Ohio, are voluntarily recalling about 2,300 children's gel candle kits. When burned, the gel candle can melt the plastic candleholders included with the kit, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

CPSC has received two reports of consumers claiming the plastic candleholder melted and started a fire. One report involved substantial damage to the consumer's home, and a consumer reportedly suffered burns to his hands and feet. The other report involved minor damage to furniture.

The Gel Candles kit includes four bags of gel chips in bright colors, wicks, glitter, two glass holders, and two plastic candleholders. The candleholders are in the shapes of a bumblebee and a dragonfly, or a tulip and a daisy. The gel is scented in fruit flavors. The kits have model numbers "3041" or "3042" written on the box. Other writing on the box includes, "Express Ways!™ Gel Candles." "Scent- sational Colored Gel!" and "AGES 8 AND OLDER."

Value City and Schottenstein discount stores nationwide sold these gel candle kits from July 2001 through December 2001 for about $4.

Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Value City at (888) 870-9181 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.valuecity.com (note added 01/18/2005 - recall information is no longer on the firm's web site).