Bath & Body Works' annual Candle Day sale sold out online, $9.95 candles selling out in stores

UPDATE: Many Bath & Body stores are already sold out of the $9.95 candles but the sale was scheduled to last in stores through Sunday or while supplies last. See the latest story here.

Bath & Body Works' anticipated Candle Day sale is back with some changes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

During the sale, all three-wick candles are $9.95, which is nearly 60% off the regular price of $24.50.

The online sale lit up at 6 a.m. ET Friday and was scheduled to be "Friday ONLY while supplies last," the company tweeted Thursday night. Like in past years, the candles sold out quickly online with the company sending an email at 2:05 p.m. ET with the subject "head to a store for $9.95 candles (sold out online)!"

The in-store sale is scheduled to last three days – from Friday through Sunday – and many stores will open early, Bath & Body Works posted on its social media accounts Thursday night.

Shortly after the candle sale was announced, it was climbing on Google Trends, a sign that it was attracting high public attention and search traffic.

There’s a limit of 18 candles per person for this sale.

"More days than ever. More space to shop safely," Bath & Body said on its website. Search for hours using the store locator at www.bathandbodyworks.com/store-locator.

A mask or face covering is required to shop Bath & Body Works and the company says it is "limiting the number of customers in-store and using floor markings to maintain a safe social distance."

During the pandemic, many retailers have extended sales to reduce crowds and to eliminate the need to rush into a store. 

Target's annual gift card sale, which returns Saturday, is two days this year and lasts through Sunday. (Learn more about the Target sale here.)

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko