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Columbus, Ohio — L Brands Inc., the parent company of retailers Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, reported that its same-store sales during the holiday period grew 5 percent, compared with a 3 percent drop one year ago. Shoppers purchased more loungewear, hand soap and candles ahead of the new year. Comparable sales at Bath & Body Works increased 17 percent for the nine-week period that ended Jan. 2. Columbus-based L Brands expects to report its fourth-quarter earnings Feb. 24.