If you’ve lived in the Golden Triangle for more than five minutes, you know the vibe of Leigh Mall is... well, it’s complicated. It’s been through a lot. But honestly, the one constant anchor that keeps people pulling into that parking lot off Highway 45 is the Bath and Body Works Columbus MS location. It’s one of those stores that feels like a portal. You walk in from a humid Mississippi afternoon, smelling like exhaust and lawn clippings, and suddenly you’re hit with a wall of Eucalyptus Mint and "Champagne Toast."
It’s weirdly comforting.
Locals know this spot isn’t just about grabbing a three-wick candle. It’s a social hub. You’ll see students from The W (MUW) stocking up on Wallflowers for their dorms, and you’ll see folks from the Air Force Base grabbing last-minute gifts before heading home. It’s tucked inside Leigh Mall at 1402 Old Aberdeen Road. While the mall itself has seen better days and various redevelopment talks, this specific shop remains a powerhouse of retail therapy in Lowndes County.
Why the Bath and Body Works Columbus MS Location Still Wins
People keep asking if brick-and-mortar is dead. Around here? Not really. Shipping costs to Mississippi can be a total pain, and nobody wants to wait five days for a "Mahogany Teakwood" candle only to have it arrive shattered in a cardboard box. At the Bath and Body Works Columbus MS storefront, you get the immediate gratification of the "Scent Bar."
You can actually smell the stuff.
That’s the thing AI or online shopping can’t replicate. You need to know if that new seasonal scent actually smells like "Mountain Air" or if it just smells like generic floor cleaner. The staff at the Columbus location are generally known for being high-energy—sometimes very high-energy—but they know the inventory. If you're looking for the retired fragrances that occasionally pop back up, they’re the ones who will tell you to check the back bins during the Semi-Annual Sale.
The layout is pretty standard if you've been to any of their stores in Tupelo or Starkville, but the Columbus one feels a bit more spacious. It has to be. During the holidays, that place gets packed. I’ve seen lines wrap around the interior of the store during the "Candle Day" madness in December. If you aren’t there by 8:00 AM on those specific big-sale days, you’re basically fighting for scraps.
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Navigating the Leigh Mall Drama
Let's be real for a second. Leigh Mall has had some struggles. Between roof leaks in years past and changing ownership, it’s not exactly the glitzy shopping mecca it was in the 1980s. However, the Bath and Body Works Columbus MS stays remarkably well-maintained. It’s like a little oasis of bright lights and polished wood floors in a building that has seen some wear and tear.
The mall is currently undergoing a massive "de-malling" process. If you’ve driven by lately, you’ve seen the construction. The plan by the developers—Hull Property Group—is to turn the inward-facing mall into more of a traditional strip center with outward-facing storefronts. This is huge for the Bath and Body Works crowd. Soon, you likely won't have to navigate the quiet hallways of the mall interior; you’ll be able to park and walk straight in.
It makes a difference. Convenience is king in Columbus.
The Logistics of Your Visit
If you’re heading there today, here is the "non-corporate" breakdown of what to expect:
- Parking: Park near the main entrance by Hobby Lobby or the old Sears wing. It’s the shortest walk.
- The Crowd: Saturday afternoons are chaotic. If you want peace, go Tuesday morning right after they open at 10:00 AM.
- Returns: They are pretty chill about the 100% satisfaction guarantee, but bring your receipt. It makes the lives of the workers way easier, and they’ll appreciate you for it.
The Science of the Semi-Annual Sale in 39705
You haven't lived until you’ve experienced the June or December Semi-Annual Sale at Bath and Body Works Columbus MS. It’s basically a contact sport. This is when the 75% off bins come out.
I’ve seen people fill entire garbage-bag-sized shopping bags with hand soaps. Is it overkill? Maybe. But at $2 a pop, it’s hard to say no. The trick for the Columbus store is to go on Day 3. Day 1 is too crowded. Day 2 is picked over. By Day 3, they’ve usually restocked from the back room, and the initial frenzy has died down.
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Also, a little pro-tip: check the "Men’s Shop" section. It’s expanded significantly over the last two years. They’ve moved way beyond just one "Ocean" scented body wash. Now they have colognes, beard oils, and face washes that actually rival the high-end stuff you’d find at a department store. It’s a great pivot for the brand, and the Columbus location keeps a decent stock of it because, let’s face it, there are a lot of guys in town looking for a quick gift or a better-smelling deodorant.
What People Get Wrong About Shopping Locally
Some folks think they’ll get a better deal online. Usually, they’re wrong. When you factor in the $6.99 shipping (which rarely goes away unless you spend a fortune), the "Buy 3 Get 3" deals in-store are almost always superior. Plus, the Bath and Body Works Columbus MS store participates in the rewards program via the app.
You scan your barcode, you get points, you get free full-sized products. Simple.
There’s also the community aspect. Columbus is a small town at heart. You’re going to run into your old high school teacher or your neighbor while you're testing out the "Japanese Cherry Blossom." It’s a shared experience. In a world where everything is becoming digital and distant, there is something weirdly grounding about a physical store that smells like vanilla bean Noel.
Actionable Advice for Your Next Trip
Stop paying full price for three-wick candles. Just don't do it. They go on sale for $12.95 to $15.95 almost every other weekend. If you see them at $26.50, turn around and walk out. Wait for the email alert.
Check your mailboxes too. The physical coupons that come in the "snail mail" are gold. The Columbus store allows you to stack those with the in-store promotions most of the time. You can walk out with a $100 haul for about $40 if you time it right.
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Keep an eye on the Leigh Mall redevelopment news. As the construction progresses through 2026, store hours might shift or entrances might move. Check their Google Maps listing before you make the trek from West Point or Lowndes County outskirts.
The best way to handle a trip to Bath and Body Works Columbus MS is to go in with a list but stay open to the "Newness" table at the front. Sometimes the weirdest sounding scents—like "Tomato Vine" or "Toasted Pineapple"—end up being the ones you actually like.
Trust your nose, not the packaging.
And seriously, grab a hand sanitizer for the car. The Highway 45 traffic is enough to make anyone a bit stressed; a little "Stress Relief" eucalyptus oil on the commute home actually helps.
Next Steps for Your Collection
Check your current stash and toss anything that has separated or smells "off." Most lotions have a shelf life of about two to three years. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, head to the Leigh Mall location during a weekday morning to test the new seasonal releases without the Saturday crowd. Download the Bath & Body Works app before you go to ensure you're earning points on your purchase, and always ask the associates if there are any "hidden" coupons behind the counter—they sometimes have extras for shoppers who are nice to them.