California, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Bed Bath & Beyond has announced it will not reopen or open any new stores in California because of the state’s regulatory challenges and high business costs. Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis announced the company’s shift towards launching 300 new concept neighborhood stores nationwide, with the first in Nashville. Customers in California can still purchase through delivery services. Governor Gavin Newsom responded critically to the news, highlighting the company’s recent bankruptcy and questioning its viability. The decision underlines a significant shift in the retail landscape for the state.
California is set to lose a significant retail presence as Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, announced that the company will not reopen its retail stores in the state due to ongoing business environment challenges. During a statement made on August 20, 2025, Lemonis criticized California’s regulatory landscape, describing it as “overregulated, expensive, and risky.” This news comes as part of Bed Bath & Beyond’s broader strategy to revitalize its business after filing for bankruptcy and closing stores in 2023.
Bed Bath & Beyond plans to focus on opening 300 new neighborhood stores across the United States; however, none will be located in California. The first of these new concept stores, named Bed Bath & Beyond Home, opened in Nashville on August 8, 2025. Lemonis noted that the decision to exclude California from this strategy stems from economic considerations rather than political motivations. He stated, “This isn’t about politics—it’s about math,” highlighting the challenges posed by high taxes, fees, wages, and extensive regulatory frameworks in the state.
In response to Lemonis’s comments, Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media to mock the company’s situation, referencing its recent bankruptcy and questioning its current relevance. This exchange underscores a broader discussion regarding California’s viability as a business location. Many companies have reported moving their operations out of the state due to similar concerns related to regulations and costs.
Despite exiting the physical retail space in California, Lemonis indicated that Bed Bath & Beyond will still cater to California customers through delivery services, maintaining a presence in the market without the need for brick-and-mortar stores. This shift in strategy aligns with the company’s evolving focus on e-commerce and online sales.
A spokesperson for the Brand House Collective, which oversees Bed Bath & Beyond, confirmed that while there are plans for future expansions, California remains off the roadmap until the business climate improves significantly. This long-term perspective reflects sentiments shared by other business leaders in the state who are advocating for “common sense governance” to foster a better environment for retail operations.
The tension between government regulation and business growth is evident in this situation, illustrating the varying perspectives on how best to protect workers and promote a thriving economic landscape. As Bed Bath & Beyond forges ahead with plans to restructure its operations, it remains to be seen how these shifts will affect its customer base and overall performance in the marketplace.
Background of Bed Bath & Beyond
Before the recent changes, Bed Bath & Beyond had experienced significant financial challenges, including filing for bankruptcy in 2023 and closing all its retail locations. The company’s new plan marks an attempt to rebound from these difficulties by targeting neighborhoods across the country with new stores while relying on digital sales channels for markets where physical stores are not feasible.
Key Highlights
- Marcus Lemonis announced Bed Bath & Beyond will not open stores in California.
- The company’s comeback plan includes launching 300 new stores nationwide, but not in California.
- The first new concept store opened in Nashville on August 8, 2025.
- Gavin Newsom responded critically to Lemonis’s remarks regarding business in California.
- Bed Bath & Beyond will service California customers through delivery rather than physical stores.
FAQs
Why won’t Bed Bath & Beyond open stores in California?
Marcus Lemonis cited California’s overregulated and costly business environment as the main reasons for not opening stores in the state.
What is Bed Bath & Beyond’s new strategy?
The company plans to open 300 new neighborhood stores across the United States and will serve California customers through delivery services.
When did Bed Bath & Beyond file for bankruptcy?
Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in 2023, leading to the closure of all its stores at that time.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Executive Chairman | Marcus Lemonis |
| Store Opening Announcement | 300 new neighborhood stores planned nationwide |
| California Presence | No new store openings, delivery services only |
| First New Concept Store | Opened in Nashville on August 8, 2025 |
| Bankruptcy Filing | 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: Statement from Marcus Lemonis
- USA Today: California Governor Newsom on Bed Bath & Beyond
- CBS News: Bed Bath & Beyond Stores in California
- Wikipedia: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google Search: Bed Bath & Beyond
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
