California, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Bed Bath & Beyond has announced it will not open new stores in California, citing high operational challenges, including elevated taxes and wages. This decision follows the company’s bankruptcy in 2023 and subsequent closure of over 300 stores nationwide. The retailer is focusing on a new brand direction with smaller, curated stores, beginning with its reopening in Nashville. Despite the lack of physical stores, online shopping remains available for Californians with quick delivery options.
California – Bed Bath & Beyond has officially decided not to open any new retail stores in California, citing the state’s challenging business environment as a key reason for this move. This announcement comes from the company’s executive chairman, who described California as one of the most “overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America.” The company’s decision is rooted in substantial operational challenges rather than any political factors.
Higher taxes, fees, and wages in California have been highlighted as critical issues affecting business operations. The executive chairman pointed out that many companies may struggle to sustain themselves under these conditions, making it increasingly difficult to hire staff, keep stores operational, and deliver value to customers effectively.
This significant decision follows Bed Bath & Beyond’s challenging financial history, which culminated in the company’s bankruptcy in 2023. Subsequently, the retailer closed all of its over 300 stores nationwide. Since then, Bed Bath & Beyond has undergone a rebranding process, and the first physical store reopened under the new name, Bed Bath & Beyond Home, in Nashville. This initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the brand.
Bed Bath & Beyond Home will be managed by Brand House Collective, a specialty retailer that oversees the brand’s new direction. The company has plans for future physical store openings, focusing on a “curated, smaller format.” However, it has explicitly stated that California will not be included in these expansion plans until there is a significant improvement in the economic climate.
Despite the absence of physical stores, Californians can continue to shop online at BedBathandBeyond.com. The company offers delivery options within 24-48 hours and same-day service for certain products, ensuring that customers will still access the retailer’s offerings even without a local presence.
In response to the criticisms voiced by Bed Bath & Beyond’s leadership, the California governor’s office remarked that they believed the company had permanently closed following its bankruptcy announcement. This situation is reflective of a broader trend in California, where several businesses have relocated or closed due to perceived difficulties within the state’s economic environment.
As companies like Bed Bath & Beyond reassess their strategies and operational locations, the business landscape in California continues to evolve. The ongoing discourse around the state’s regulations and costs is likely to remain a hot topic as both existing and prospective businesses navigate this complex terrain.
FAQs
Why won’t Bed Bath & Beyond open stores in California?
Bed Bath & Beyond has stated that it will not open stores in California due to high operational challenges, including higher taxes, fees, and wages.
What happened to Bed Bath & Beyond’s previous stores?
The company filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and subsequently closed all of its over 300 stores nationwide.
What is the new format of Bed Bath & Beyond’s stores?
The company is focusing on a curated, smaller format for its new physical stores, with the first one opening in Nashville under the name Bed Bath & Beyond Home.
Can Californians still shop at Bed Bath & Beyond?
Yes, Californians can still shop online at BedBathandBeyond.com, with delivery options available.
What are the implications of Bed Bath & Beyond’s decision on California’s economy?
This decision highlights ongoing business challenges within California, as many companies have relocated or closed due to perceived difficult business conditions.
Key Features of Bed Bath & Beyond’s Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storing Operations | Closed all previous over 300 stores nationwide after bankruptcy in 2023 |
| New Store Format | Focusing on a curated, smaller format for new stores |
| Location Strategy | No future stores in California due to high operational challenges |
| Online Shopping | Available for Californians with 24-48 hour delivery and same-day service options |
| Management | Managed by Brand House Collective under new branding |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Bed Bath & Beyond won’t reopen stores in California
- Wikipedia: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Fox Business: Major retailer pulls zero punches outlining economic reality in California
- Google Search: California business environment
- The Hill: Newsom on California’s business environment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- USA Today: California Governor Newsom on Bed Bath & Beyond stores
- Google Search: California retail
- Business Wire: Statement from Marcus Lemonis on Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google News: 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.
