In a surprising move, home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond has signaled it will forego opening any new stores in California, marking a significant retreat from one of the largest U.S. markets. Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, announced that the company found California's business climate too challenging, citing "overregulation, expensive, and risky environments for businesses." According to a press release on Bed Bath & Beyond's investor website, Lemonis stated, "We're taking a stand because it's time for common sense. Businesses deserve the chance to succeed. Employees deserve jobs that last. And customers deserve fair prices." The company plans to continue servicing Californian consumers through their online platform, offering rapid delivery options as an alternative to brick-and-mortar shopping experiences.
The response to this announcement has been mixed. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan voiced concern over the state's handling of its business environment in a social media post. "This is serious — we are shooting ourselves in the foot and we need to acknowledge that," Mahan wrote, underscoring San Jose's efforts to remain business-friendly.
Meanwhile, California, represented by Governor Gavin Newsom's Press Office, offered a rather sarcastic retort to Bed Bath & Beyond's predicament. Per the Governor's Press Office's social media account, the office remarked on the company's past bankruptcy by stating, "After their bankruptcy and closure of every store, like most Americans, we thought Bed, Bath & Beyond no longer existed."
After their bankruptcy and closure of every store, like most Americans, we thought Bed, Bath & Beyond no longer existed.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 20, 2025
We wish them well in their efforts to become relevant again as they try to open a 2nd store. https://t.co/jJt6i5icEx
