California, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, announced that the retailer will not be opening new stores in California due to regulatory challenges. Lemonis criticized the state’s high taxes and extensive regulations, describing California’s business climate as overregulated and risky. Instead, the company is set to focus its efforts on expanding smaller locations across the U.S., with plans to open around 300 stores. While California customers won’t see new retail locations, they can still purchase products online with rapid delivery options.
California – Marcus Lemonis, the executive chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, announced on August 20, 2025, that the popular home goods retailer will not be opening any new stores in California due to significant challenges posed by the state’s regulatory environment. Lemonis cited California’s culture as “overregulated, expensive, and risky,” which creates obstacles for businesses to thrive.
The company, which recently opened its first Bed Bath & Beyond Home store in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 8, 2025, is focusing on the expansion of smaller retail locations across the United States. Bed Bath & Beyond plans to open around 300 smaller stores over the next two years, but none will be located in California.
Despite the announcement to avoid new retail openings in California, customers will still have access to Bed Bath & Beyond products online, with deliveries available within 24 to 48 hours. This strategy allows the company to serve customers in California without the burden of physical stores in the state.
In making his announcement, Lemonis pointed out that California’s high taxes, substantial fees, and elevated wages, coupled with extensive regulations, create a less favorable environment for new business operations. With a minimum wage of $16.50 per hour and the state being ranked the most expensive for starting a business, these issues present significant hurdles for retailers.
This decision reflects a broader trend, as many companies have been reevaluating their operations in California due to perceived anti-business sentiments. This includes other businesses, such as Brightpoint Ventures, which recently announced its relocation from California to Florida, citing similar concerns about the state’s business climate.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded to Lemonis’ remarks by expressing surprise at the company’s efforts to regain relevance following its bankruptcy in 2023, when all stores were closed. Before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Bed Bath & Beyond operated more than 300 retail locations across the nation. Now, it is under the ownership of Beyond Inc., which also includes brands like buybuy BABY and Overstock.com.
Marcus Lemonis has a reputation for turning around struggling businesses, known for his appearances on television shows like “The Profit.” His leadership is viewed as a strategic move in the wake of the company’s previous financial challenges. By focusing efforts on smaller stores outside of California, Bed Bath & Beyond aims to strategically navigate a market that poses less risk for operational success.
In conclusion, while California customers may feel disappointed by the absence of new Bed Bath & Beyond locations in their state, the retailer’s online shopping options remain intact. The decision to refrain from expanding in California may signal a continuing trend of businesses relocating or choosing to invest elsewhere in search of more favorable regulatory environments.
FAQ
Why is Bed Bath & Beyond not opening stores in California?
Marcus Lemonis, the executive chairman, cited California’s overregulated, expensive, and risky business environment as the main reasons for not establishing new retail stores in the state.
What is the company’s future plan for store openings?
Bed Bath & Beyond plans to open around 300 smaller store locations across the United States over the next two years, but none of these stores will be in California.
How can California residents access Bed Bath & Beyond products?
California residents can still purchase Bed Bath & Beyond products through the website, with delivery options available within 24 to 48 hours.
Key Features of Bed Bath & Beyond Announcement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Executive Chairman | Marcus Lemonis |
| New Store Opening | Nashville, Tennessee on August 8, 2025 |
| No New Stores in California | Due to regulatory challenges |
| Business Environment | Overregulated, expensive, and risky |
| Minimum Wage in California | $16.50 per hour |
| Future Store Locations | About 300 smaller stores planned in the U.S. |
| Online Availability | Products accessible with 24-48 hours delivery |
| Bankruptcy Status | Filed for Chapter 11, all stores closed in 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- USA Today: Bed Bath & Beyond Stores in California
- San Francisco Chronicle: Bed Bath & Beyond California Stores
- KTLA: Bed Bath & Beyond in California
- Forbes: Bed Bath & Beyond Plans Expansion
- Newsweek: Bed Bath & Beyond and California
- Wikipedia: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google Search: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google Scholar: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google News: Bed Bath & Beyond
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