Bath & Body Works was founded in 1990 in New Albany, Ohio, initially as the beauty line for Express, Inc. The brand opened its first store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, later that year. Following a legal dispute with The Body Shop in 1991, Bath & Body Works underwent a rebranding, introducing a unique store concept modeled after the country home of its fictional mascot, Kate. In 1997, the brand expanded with Bath & Body Works at Home, catering to home fragrances and décor. Two years later, it launched the White Barn Candle Company, a division specializing in scented candles, further solidifying its presence in the self-care and home fragrance industry.