Bed Bath Beyond Withdraws California Stores Citing Cost, Focuses Delivery

Bed Bath & Beyond, led by Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis, is relaunching its physical retail presence but will not open stores in California due to what Lemonis describes as an overregulated, expensive, and risky business environment in the state. Lemonis emphasized that the decision is based on economic realities rather than politics, citing California's higher taxes, fees, wages, and regulations that hinder business growth and sustainability. Instead of physical stores, Californians will continue to access Bed Bath & Beyond products online with rapid delivery options, including 24- to 48-hour shipping and some same-day service. The company recently opened its first new store in Brentwood, Tennessee, and plans to open additional stores in the Nashville area, along with converting Kirkland’s locations into Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy Baby stores. Beyond Inc. will also change its corporate name to Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and will trade under the ticker BBBY, reflecting its renewed focus on combining e-commerce with localized physical retail. This strategy aims to balance customer service and shareholder interests while avoiding the financial burdens imposed by California's regulatory environment.