Oddity, Inc. Our History

     It was April 1976 and Bob Averill, wanted more out of his life.  He said goodbye to a long-time position with an established wholesale gift and floral supplier and hello to the start of his own business.  Little did he know that his passion for collecting, love for beauty and a great desire to succeed would steadily grow into, Oddity, Inc. a leader in the candle and gift industries.

    
     Bob’s new business started from scratch and from the back of his 1972 Dodge van. According to Bob, for the next two years this van was the company’s address and laid the foundation for what Oddity is today. He eventually moved the growing company into an old barn located near his home town, Pottsville, PA. Bob remembers the barn’s conditions being less than favorable.

    
     But his persistence and commitment to success paid off. The company continued to prosper and grow. He continually sought out new suppliers and manufacturers who shared his vision and passion to succeed. Relationships with many companies were instrumental in creating new lines and products—some that remain in Oddity’s line today. He developed relationships with more suppliers both domestic and abroad to create a diverse and exciting product line.

    
     He slowly hired sales representatives to help him cover more territories and a customer service staff to help him with inside sales calls. More and more employees were hired to pack and ship Oddity products nationwide. Today, Oddity is proud to have one of the friendliest customer service teams and best shipping times in the industry.

    
     He relocated the company one more time before finding a permanent home at 200 E. Railroad Street in Pottsville where Oddity remains today.  Oddity had become the business Bob dreamed about since he was a child. And like many entrepreneurs, he was ready for a change. In 1998, he decided to sell the company to focus on his love for traveling, antiquing and collecting.

    
     In 1998, he sold his business, but the company continues to maintain Bob’s dream of providing quality, trend setting products, quality service and competitive prices. Bob now contacts Oddity to order products for his own retail store.“I’ve been very fortunate to have created and kept so many wonderful relationships because of Oddity, said Bob. “I’m thankful it continues to prosper and offers retailers an outlet for exciting products at excellent prices.”