Piecing Together a Past
I don’t know if you’re like me, but when I really like a brand—really like it—I want to know everything. From its earliest beginnings to what’s on the shelves today, I love diving into the story behind the name.
Years ago, when I began collecting Hallmark ornaments as a family tradition, I kept careful records—receipts, catalogs, and the little annual product guides they printed. For years, collectors like myself would chat in online groups, hoping Hallmark would create one master reference book that detailed everything: every ornament, every collection, every year. Eventually, Hallmark listened, and a compendium was born. It was worth every penny to own.
Now, my current obsession—Bath & Body Works—leaves me with far more questions than answers.
From what I’ve gathered, there’s no official history book or public archive documenting the brand’s full journey from its earliest days to now. Unlike Hallmark, Bath & Body Works seems focused almost entirely on what’s next. But for many of us, especially longtime fans, the past matters too.
So, I’ve taken it upon myself to collect and organize what I can—photos, product names, release years—on Pinterest and other platforms. I try to keep it current and as complete as possible, especially for newer collectors or anyone curious about the brand’s evolution.
When I’ve reached out to B&BW for info, those requests have mostly gone unanswered. Instead, it’s thanks to the community—fellow fans, bloggers, collectors, and sellers on sites like eBay—that we’re able to piece things together. And oh, how I regret tossing some of my early empties. facepalm
The company pushes forward, with new collections every month, and rarely seems to glance back. But I wish they would. I’d love to see store photos from the 90s—shelves stocked, walls decked out, the signage, the displays... the essence of the brand’s earliest days. It was a different kind of shopping experience then—one where you felt welcomed to explore, to try everything, where every scent was a little adventure. You weren’t just a sales target—you were a valued customer.
Back then, the scents were unique. You used products to the very last drop. And now, in my research, that’s what I keep finding—photos of nearly-empty bottles. Proof they were loved.
We know the general history: the brand didn’t start on a farm in New Albany, Ohio, as some stories suggest. It actually began with a few products sold inside an Express store in a mall during the 80s. Then in September 1990, the very first standalone Bath & Body Works store opened in the Cambridge Side Galleria in Massachusetts.
I wasn't paying much attention then—I was busy, I guess—but I do remember later shopping experiences that made a lasting impression. The warm, cozy feel. The variety of collections. The joy of discovery. And I rarely, if ever, returned anything.
Now, as I gather information for what I call the “Heritage Era,” I’m grateful to the many collectors who’ve shared their photos and stories. My Pinterest boards are slowly growing, and I’m working on organizing the collections by era.
Recently, when the brand launched its flashback fragrances for the Semi-Annual Sale, their own press release included original release dates. I posted those dates to Facebook, only to be immediately questioned by longtime fans who noticed discrepancies. And honestly, I can’t say with 100% certainty when each scent launched—I remember using them, loving them, but not the exact month or year. Still, you’d think someone at the company would get that right in a press release. Right?
Years ago, during the Forever Red launch, I shopped out of town and met a manager who’d earned a trip to Colorado and even got to visit the company’s home office. She described a “million-dollar room” filled with every product ever made. No photos allowed—but what a sight it must be. She called it beyond amazing. And if I had ever been invited, I think they’d still be trying to find me among the racks. 😊
I don’t know when that collection began, but I hope it started from day one. What a treasure trove it must be.
In the coming posts, I’ll be diving into the scent names and collections from years past—connecting the dots between old and new, and giving a little more structure to the puzzle. I’ll also continue to build out my Pinterest boards with images and info as I find it. I’d love for you to follow along.
Note: This is not an official page, and I’m not affiliated with or endorsed by Bath & Body Works or any other company. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, and everything shared here is for editorial purposes only. I can't verify every detail, but I do my best to ensure what I share is accurate and well sourced.
Here’s to honoring the scent history we remember—and rediscovering the treasures we didn’t even know we missed.