Bed Bath & Beyond is back in the spotlight after a hiatus of over two years stemming from bankruptcy. The retailer, now featuring a slightly modified name, has stirred conversation by announcing it won’t reopen stores in a state viewed as a liberal stronghold.
The brand is relaunching under the Bed Bath & Beyond name in Nashville, Tennessee. Though it seems small compared to their previous 300 locations before bankruptcy, the company is firm on one point: they won’t set up shop in their largest liberal areas.
“Even if the state announces a budget surplus, it’s built on the backs of ordinary citizens.”
Marcus Lemonis, the executive chairman, shared a candid letter expressing how California’s business environment has become increasingly difficult.
“We don’t open or run retail stores in California,” Lemonis states bluntly. “It’s not a political stance; it’s a matter of practicality.”
The CEO of Campworld also criticized California for being one of the most regulated and costly states for businesses, making hiring a challenge and threatening operational stability.
Retailers have long voiced frustrations about California’s lenient laws, particularly concerning shoplifting, which has often gone unpunished. Voters approved a measure in November 2024 that designates shoplifting as a felony, seemingly a step forward, but, paradoxically, not enough to regulate the issue properly.
“[California has] higher taxes, higher fees, and an endless array of regulations that many businesses cannot manage,” Lemonis added in his statement.
Lemonis assured customers and investors that his company is grounded in common sense.
“The California system offers the opposite,” he emphasized.
Nevertheless, for residents of California, Bed Bath & Beyond products can still be ordered online with delivery available in 24-48 hours.
A user on X pointed out that this is a somewhat ironic take on the reality that online retail might simply be more advantageous than physical stores in certain areas.
Lemonis replied by noting that they have “stores in nearly every other state,” excluding California.
The company’s resurgence symbolizes a broader shift within the retail sector as consumers continue to desire more engaging shopping experiences. However, Lemonis asserted that California isn’t considering the average citizen’s needs.
“Anytime California announces a budget surplus, it relies on the hard work of ordinary citizens paying too much in taxes, while companies are squeezed to their breaking point,” he remarked.
With this mindset, Bed Bath & Beyond announced a return of the famous “20% off” coupon, although now it comes with stricter limitations. Customers can only redeem it once and can’t combine it with other promotions. Previously, there had been no expiration, and it could be used repeatedly.
Originally launched as a private entity back in 1971, Bed Bath & Beyond opened its doors in 1992.
In 2022, the company faced tragedy when former CFO Gustavo Arnal died after jumping from a New York City skyscraper.
