The unexpected reason why Bed Bath & Beyond won’t open stores in California revealed
Here’s the reason why Bed Bath & Beyond won’t be opening in California.
Bed Bath & Beyond is making headlines again, but not for opening a new store. In a bold move, the home goods brand has revealed that it will no longer operate in California.
After collapsing under bankruptcy in 2023 and shuttering hundreds of stores nationwide, the company is now part of Beyond Inc. and has resurrected itself. The new brand, Bed Bath & Beyond Home, debuted its first location in Nashville in August, with plans for more smaller stores across the country.
Official statement regarding @BedBathBeyond
— Marcus Lemonis (@marcuslemonis) August 20, 2025
We will not open retail stores in California.
This isn’t about politics — it’s about reality.
California’s system makes it nearly impossible for businesses to succeed, and I won’t put our company, our employees, or our… pic.twitter.com/G5dSaigB3y
Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, said in an angry statement: We will not open or operate retail stores in California. This decision isn’t about politics — it’s about reality. California has created one of the most over-regulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America. It’s a system that makes it harder to employ people, harder to keep doors open, and harder to deliver value to customers.
The Bed Bath & Beyond statement in full:
We will not open or operate retail stores in California.
This decision isn’t about politics — it’s about reality. California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America. It’s a system that makes it harder to employ people, harder to keep doors open, and harder to deliver value to customers.
The result? Higher taxes, higher fees, higher wages that many businesses simply cannot sustain, and endless regulations that strangle growth. Even when the state announces a budget surplus, it’s built on the backs of ordinary citizens who are paying too much and businesses who are squeezed until they break.
At Bed Bath & Beyond, our responsibility is to our customers and our shareholders. We will not participate in a system that undermines both. Instead, we are investing in a California strategy that works: 24–48-hour delivery, and in many cases, same-day service. Californians will continue to get the products they love through BedBathandBeyond.com — but without the inflated costs created by an unsustainable model.
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. California’s system delivers the opposite. That’s why Bed Bath & Beyond will serve California customers directly through BedBathandBeyond.com, on our terms, and with their best interests at heart.
— Marcus Lemonis
Executive Chairman, Bed Bath & Beyond
He added that the result of the red tape means higher fees and higher wages “that many businesses simply cannot sustain, and endless regulations that strangle growth."
California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t let that comment slide. His office delivered a scathing dig: “After their bankruptcy and closure of every store, like most Americans, we thought Bed, Bath & Beyond no longer existed. We wish them well in their efforts to become relevant again as they try to open a 2nd store.”
Lemonis responded with a measured tone, hinting at policy reforms and a desire to engage: “You are a smart man… I know the post below is out of frustration,” he posted. Newsom has not responded.
Wow! Bed Bath and Beyond just reached out to sell our hats. No thank you! https://t.co/QusgXIH4G9
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 22, 2025
Though physical stores won’t return to California anytime soon, residents can still shop via the revamped BedBathandBeyond.com.
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