Retail giant Bed Bath & Beyond has confirmed that it will not reopen brick-and-mortar stores in California, even as it attempts a comeback following bankruptcy.
Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis announced on Aug. 20 that California, the largest state in the nation with more than 39 million residents, will only be served through delivery services rather than physical stores.
“We’re taking a stand because it’s time for common sense,” Lemonis said in a statement. “Businesses deserve the chance to succeed. Employees deserve jobs that last. And customers deserve fair prices. California’s system delivers the opposite.”
The announcement follows the company’s closure of all U.S. locations in 2023 after filing for bankruptcy. Earlier this month, Bed Bath & Beyond reopened its first new location, Bed Bath & Beyond Home, near Nashville on Aug. 8.
Gov. Newsom’s Office Responds
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office reacted swiftly on X (formerly Twitter), poking fun at the retailer’s troubled history.
“After their bankruptcy and closure of every store, like most Americans, we thought Bed, Bath & Beyond no longer existed,” the governor’s office wrote. “We wish them well in their efforts to become relevant again as they try to open a 2nd store.”
Lemonis, who also leads Camping World, directly replied to Newsom from his personal account, expressing interest in business reforms but standing by his decision.
“We will target opening 300 small to midsize neighborhood stores through our Kirklands investment,” Lemonis posted. “You are a smart man and I know the post below is out of frustration.”
Lemonis: “This Isn’t About Politics”
In his statement, Lemonis insisted the company’s refusal to open in California “isn’t about politics.” However, his remarks took repeated aim at state regulations, which he said created “one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America.”
Lemonis has long been an outspoken critic of California policies. Earlier this year, he denounced a greenhouse gas emissions reporting law for billion-dollar corporations as a “crazy law.”
His clashes with California also extend to local permitting disputes. In 2024, San Joaquin County officials ordered Camping World to remove an oversized 130-foot flagpole installed without a permit at a French Camp location. Though the flag was briefly taken down, Lemonis later ordered it raised again, telling FOX40 Sacramento:
“If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be okay, then I wouldn’t do it.”
A Rocky Comeback for Bed Bath & Beyond
The retailer’s refusal to return to California underscores the challenges it faces in rebuilding after bankruptcy. Once a staple of American suburban shopping centers, Bed Bath & Beyond shuttered all of its stores in 2023 before being acquired and restructured.
With the new Bed Bath & Beyond Home concept store launching in Tennessee, the company aims to focus on smaller, more flexible formats and digital sales. Lemonis has said the goal is to eventually open 300 new locations nationwide, but California appears to be off the table – at least for now.
As Bed Bath & Beyond attempts to regain relevance in the retail market, its absence in California highlights the ongoing tension between state regulations and businesses looking to expand. For consumers in the Golden State, online delivery will remain the only option for shopping at the once-ubiquitous home goods chain.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
