California, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, announced that the company will not open new retail stores in California due to the state’s overregulated and costly business environment. This decision, made on August 20, 2025, comes as Bed Bath & Beyond aims to expand operations across the U.S., following its bankruptcy and the closure of all stores in 2023. Though new stores won’t open in California, customers can still order products online with fast delivery options.
California – Marcus Lemonis, the Executive Chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, announced that the company will not be opening any new retail stores in California due to regulatory challenges. This statement came on August 20, 2025, as Bed Bath & Beyond moves to expand its operations across the United States, following a recent bankruptcy that led to the closure of all its locations in 2023.
Bed Bath & Beyond recently opened its first Bed Bath & Beyond Home store in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 8, 2025. Lemonis also actively engages his audience on Instagram, where he has 1.3 million followers, seeking suggestions for new store locations. His query included, “What city/town should the next Bed Bath Beyond open?” However, California will not be a contender for these new stores.
Lemonis cited California’s business environment as “overregulated, expensive, and risky.” He explained that the state’s system makes it challenging for businesses to thrive. He highlighted issues such as high taxes, fees, and wages along with stringent regulations as significant barriers for growth. Currently, California’s minimum wage stands at $16.50 per hour, making it among the most expensive states to start a business.
Despite the decision to halt new store openings in California, consumers in the state can still access Bed Bath & Beyond products online with delivery options available within 24 to 48 hours. The company, which once operated over 300 locations before declaring bankruptcy, is now owned by Beyond Inc., which also encompasses buybuy BABY and Overstock.com.
As part of its recovery and growth strategy, Bed Bath & Beyond plans to open approximately 300 smaller store locations nationwide over the next two years while avoiding California. Lemonis is noted for his business turnaround strategies and features prominently in media through shows such as “The Profit.” His decision reflects a broader trend of businesses relocating from California to states perceived as more business-friendly.
The response from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office expressed surprise at Bed Bath & Beyond’s recent efforts to regain relevance following its bankruptcy amidst Lemonis’ remarks. This is not an isolated incident, as other companies like Brightpoint Ventures have similarly relocated from California to Florida, echoing similar concerns regarding the state’s business climate.
The announcement underscores the ongoing challenges that businesses face in California, reinforcing the perception that the state’s regulatory environment may push companies to explore other locations for growth and expansion opportunities.
Conclusion
The decision by Bed Bath & Beyond not to open stores in California marks a significant step in its recovery strategy, emphasizing the impact of state regulations on business operations. While the brand aims to reclaim its standing in the retail market, Californian customers still have access to their products through online purchases.
FAQ Section
Why will Bed Bath & Beyond not open stores in California?
Bed Bath & Beyond’s Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis cited California’s business environment as ‘overregulated, expensive, and risky,’ indicating that these factors contribute to the challenges businesses face in the state.
What alternatives are available for California customers?
Customers in California can still order Bed Bath & Beyond products online, with delivery options available within 24 to 48 hours.
What is Bed Bath & Beyond’s future expansion plan?
The company aims to open around 300 smaller store locations across the United States in the next two years, while explicitly not including California in its expansion plans.
What triggered Bed Bath & Beyond’s bankruptcy?
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, resulting in the closure of all its stores. The factors contributing to this included a challenging retail environment and financial difficulties.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement Date | August 20, 2025 |
| New Store Opening | First store in Nashville, Tennessee |
| California’s Minimum Wage | $16.50 per hour |
| Current Store Count | Previously over 300, all closed in 2023 |
| Future Store Expansion | Approximately 300 smaller locations nationwide, excluding California |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- USA Today
- San Francisco Chronicle
- KTLA
- Forbes
- Newsweek
- Wikipedia: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google Search: Bed Bath & Beyond California
- Google Scholar: Bed Bath & Beyond expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bed Bath & Beyond
- Google News: California business climate
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
