An Email Worth Scrolling For

From: Bath & Body Works
Date: 2/01/20
Subject Line: 💘 your Valentine’s Day gift guide 💘

Bath & Body Works email

Every now and then I get an email that makes me jealous, as a designer. Today was one of those days.

According to a study done in 2019, the majority of emails are opened on a mobile device (roughly 42% mobile, 40% webmail clients and 18% desktop). Viewing on a smaller screen forces you to scroll more than on a desktop. Therefore, it’s important to create designs that entice you to reach the bottom.

When you look at this email as a single image, it really isn’t as impressive as seeing it scrolling. Bath & Body Works was able to create one long vertical image that SEAMLESSLY incorporates multiple products — while also creating flow, balance, and dimension. I find myself dissecting the image, looking for any seam or a misplaced shadow, but I can’t find one. It’s amazing work. They also add interest by including an animated gif in the header (the candle flickers).

Bath & Body Works animation

The only missed opportunity is the lack of call-to-actions. Bath & Body Works does include a link at the top and bottom of the “scroll area” to SHOP GIFTS. (I appreciate the CTA at the bottom, BTW!) However, the products within the scroll are missing these. The long image is broken into multiple pieces to allow for multiple links (room fragrances and 2 new scents), but all sections link to the same landing page (Gifts for Her).

This design, graphically, is nothing short of inspiring!