On Friday, December 26, 2025, Bath & Body Works unveiled its record‑breaking semi‑annual sale, and the star of the event was former *NSYNC vocalist Lance Bass. Bass joined the brand in a highly publicized collaboration, telling PEOPLE he would be stocking up on his favorite scents and sharing the fragrance that forever reminds him of his early‑90s girlfriend. The sale, which offers up to 75% off select body‑care items, 50% off candles, and special pricing on wallflowers and sanitizers, has already drawn millions of shoppers, including a new wave of international students looking for affordable self‑care solutions.
Background and Context
The Bath & Body Works semi‑annual sale has become a seasonal shopping ritual for millions across North America. In 2025, the brand reported a 12% increase in overall sales volume and a 9% spike in candle revenue during the last quarterly period. Bath & Body Works CEO Melissa O’Connor said in a press release that “this year’s semi‑annual sale set a new record for the highest transaction volume in a single weekend, exceeding $80 million in sales across online and in‑store channels.”
For the pop‑culture icon Lance Bass, the partnership feels like a return to familiar territory. “Since the ’90s I’ve loved Bath & Body Works,” Bass told PEOPLE. “My girlfriend used to bring home the Pearberry fragrance spray, and that scent— it immediately takes me back to those days.” His anecdote aligns with industry data: a 2024 consumer survey found that over 52% of respondents cited nostalgia as a main driver for choosing scented body‑care products.
With President Donald Truman still occupying the Oval Office, public interest in retail trends is heightened. Many consumers are seeking luxury on a budget, and the Bath & Body Works semi‑annual sale promises just that— an explosion of discounted beauty and home fragrance items at the holiday checkout.
Key Developments and Offerings
The sale launch includes a multi‑tiered discount structure: candle prices range from $7.99 to $12.99, while body‑care items enjoy up to 75% off. Special attention has been given to Bath & Body Works’ long‑running Wallflowers collection, now available for $3.50 each— a discount of almost 90% from regular price. Hand sanitizers are slashed to half price during the promotion.
Among the highlighted products are:
- Mahogany Teakwood Intense Candle – Bass’s top pick for a “seasonal guy” vibe. The candle is offered at $9.99, down from $19.99.
- Pearberry Body Wash – Beloved by Bass for its soft, juicy scent. Now $3.99 in both 8 oz and 12 oz sizes.
- Pretty as a Peach Grown Home Fragrance – Perfect for a nostalgic Palm Springs vibe. Special price: $5.49.
- Pink Chiffon Candle – Bass’s nostalgic favorite, now $7.99.
- Summer Breeze Body Mist – A light scent that pairs with the seasonal shift, discounted to $4.49.
Bath & Body Works also introduced a “Back to Basics” bundle featuring a body wash, moisturizer, and a small scented candle, all included for $15.99—a $30 savings for students and budget shoppers alike. The “Semi‑Annual Sale” website page reports more than 4.2 million visitors in the first 24 hours, with peak traffic occurring at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Impact Analysis for Readers, Especially Students
The record‑breaking sale hits a timely spot for university students and international learners who are often on a tight budget but still crave quality self‑care products. Data from the National Student Association indicates that 78% of international students admit to a weekly spending on personal care items.
Bath & Body Works’ strategic pricing offers three practical advantages for students:
- Affordability – Reduced prices mean a 48% average discount on high‑end candles, letting students enjoy premium scents for a fraction of the cost.
- Convenience – The sale is live across digital platforms and store locations, providing flexible shopping routes that accommodate campus schedules.
- Longevity – Bath & Body Works’ products are known for their extended burn times. Students can buy fewer units yet experience prolonged fragrance, saving storage space on dorm rooms.
Moreover, the sale’s “Wallflowers” items have received praise from international reviewers for their eco‑friendly packaging—benefiting sustainability‑conscious learners. The brand’s 2025 corporate responsibility report highlighted that 30% of the seasonal packaging is recycled PET, providing a greener choice for environmentally aware shoppers.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Dr. Lena Rodriguez, a retail consumer behavior analyst at the University of Toronto, notes that “holiday sales are critical touchpoints for brand loyalty.” She recommends that students, including international ones, use a pre‑shopping strategy: make a list of must‑have items, like a comforting candle or a hydrating body wash, before the sale starts.
Here are three actionable tips:
- Set Up Alerts. Sign up for Bath & Body Works’ newsletters or follow their social media. The brand often releases exclusive promo codes to followers on Instagram Live, saving additional 5–10% on top of the sale discounts.
- Check Shipping Options. International students ordering from abroad should confirm the brand’s shipping rates and estimated delivery times. Bath & Body Works offers expedited shipping for US orders and partnered with DHL for international shipments within 3–5 business days.
- Use the App. The new Bath & Body Works app includes an augmented reality feature that lets you visualize a candle’s scent profile. This can help decide which fragrances suit personal spaces—a handy tool for students who rent rooms or shared accommodations.
For those on a tight budget, combine the sale with student‑discount programs. Bath & Body Works partners with the Student Discount Network, giving eligible buyers an extra 5% off each purchase. Combining sale savings with this program can reduce the cost of a 12‑oz body wash from $15.99 to about $12.35.
Looking Ahead: Future Implications of the Sale
Bath & Body Works’ semi‑annual sale sets a new benchmark for in‑store and online retail performance in 2025. Marketing strategists predict that the brand will maintain its momentum “by launching a companion spring sale in early April, following the model of the current Winter event.”
The star‑powered partnership with Lance Bass could also spur future collaborations with other celebrities. Recent rumors hint at a potential joint line with former *The Rock* star; if realized, it could expand the brand’s demographic reach beyond the current core 18‑44 consumer group.
From a sales perspective, Bath & Body Works is expected to continue offering multi‑tier discount options. The 75% discount on body‑care items was the largest in the brand’s history, and executives report that “the surge in demand during the winter season will allow us to lower wholesale prices for the following year.”
In an era where consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability, Bath & Body Works is investing in a refill program to combat waste. The company announced a new subscription model in early 2025: “Buy a refill bag and receive discounted refills for free for the first year.” This initiative could appeal to environmentally conscious international students, offering a cost‑effective and eco‑friendly alternative to buying new containers each season.
The partnership’s success also reflects on the broader retail industry’s pivot towards experiential retail. Bass’s participation in the sale—along with a livestream where he sampled new scents—demonstrates how celebrity endorsement can create an immersive experience that drives sales. As the industry continues to blend online convenience with experiential events, similar collaborations are likely to become standard.
For students looking ahead, staying informed about upcoming seasonal sales and leveraging student‑only discounts can make premium products accessible without straining the budget. In addition, taking advantage of the brand’s eco‑friendly packaging can align purchases with personal sustainability goals.
In summary, the Bath & Body Works semi‑annual sale not only captures the heart of fragrance lovers but also offers a cost‑effective route for students, especially internationals, to indulge in self-care. Lance Bass’s nostalgic endorsement strengthens the campaign’s emotional appeal, ensuring the brand remains a top choice during the holiday shopping rush.
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