So you want to work at Bath & Body Works but aren’t sure if you’re old enough? Let’s break down exactly how old you need to be and what to expect when applying.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Work at Bath & Body Works?
The short answer? You generally need to be at least 18 years old to work at Bath & Body Works.
While you might occasionally hear whispers about 16-year-olds getting hired at certain locations, the official policy across most stores is 18+ for regular positions like sales associates, support associates, and key holders.
Why 18? Well, it’s not just about maturity (though that helps). It’s because the job involves responsibilities that many states restrict for minors – like handling cash, working late shifts, and managing inventory.
Why Bath & Body Works Sets Age 18 as the Minimum
Look, I’m not saying teenagers can’t handle retail work. But Bath & Body Works has specific reasons for their age policy:
- They need people who can operate registers and handle money
- You’ll be processing refunds and exchanges
- The job involves lifting boxes of those heavy 3-wick candles
- You might need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- You’ll be dealing with customers during the chaos of semi-annual sales
The reality is that labor laws in many states restrict what minors can do in the workplace, especially around working hours and handling cash. Bath & Body Works simplifies things by setting 18 as their baseline. Makes sense when you think about it.
What Positions Can You Apply For?
Sales Associate (18+)
This is the most common entry-level position. As a sales associate, you’ll:
- Greet customers with that “Welcome to Bath & Body Works!” enthusiasm
- Help people find the perfect scent (even when they describe it as “you know, that blue one that smells good”)
- Ring up purchases and upsell like a boss
- Restock shelves and keep the store looking Instagram-worthy
- Demonstrate product knowledge to help customers make decisions
Support Associate (18+)
These folks provide backup during busy times by:
- Jumping on registers when lines get long
- Handling inventory and stocking
- Supporting the sales team however needed
- Maintaining store organization and cleanliness
Key Holder (18+)
A step up the ladder, key holders are responsible for:
- Opening or closing the store (hence the “key” part)
- Supervising the sales floor
- Managing cash securely
- Leading the team during shifts
- Managing daily operations when managers are unavailable
Beyond Age: What Else Do They Look For?
Being 18+ gets you in the door, but Bath & Body Works also values:
- A friendly, upbeat attitude (you’ll be talking about scented products all day, enthusiasm helps!)
- Customer service skills that make people want to come back
- Flexibility to work different shifts (including those holiday rushes)
- The ability to stand for long periods and occasionally lift heavy boxes
- Being a team player who can collaborate with coworkers
No college degree needed! A high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient. But retail experience, especially in customer service, is definitely a plus.
The Application Process: What to Expect
- Submit your application online through their careers page or in person
- Receive confirmation that they got your application
- Interview if they like what they see (usually involves questions about customer service scenarios)
- Background check for some positions
- Onboarding and training specific to your role
The Perks of Smelling Good at Work
Working at Bath & Body Works comes with some sweet benefits:
- 40% employee discount (goodbye, paycheck)
- Free products to try occasionally
- Limited health benefits for even part-timers in some states
- Mental health support and employee assistance programs
- DailyPay option to access your earned wages before payday
- A workplace that values diversity and inclusion
In Summary
| Position | Minimum Age | Main Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate | 18 | Customer service, selling, restocking |
| Support Associate | 18 | Cashiering, stocking, floor support |
| Key Holder | 18 | Opening/closing, supervising, cash management |
Bath & Body Works primarily hires adults 18 and older because of the responsibilities involved and labor law restrictions. While you might find exceptions in certain locations or states with different labor laws, don’t count on it.
If you’re under 18 and dying to work in retail, you might want to check out other stores with lower age requirements while you wait to hit that magic birthday. Then come back and apply when you can legally sell those three-wick candles!
