Bed Bath & Beyond confirmed that its return will bypass locations in the nation’s most populous state.
Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond, stated on Aug. 20 that the company will not open a physical store in California. Instead, the state, home to more than 39 million residents, will be served exclusively through delivery.
“We’re taking a stand because it’s time for common sense,” the statement reads. “Businesses deserve the chance to succeed. Employees deserve jobs that last. And customers deserve fair prices. California’s system delivers the opposite.”
The retailer is attempting a revival after filing for bankruptcy and shuttering all its stores in 2023. The first Bed Bath & Beyond Home reopened near Nashville on Aug. 8.
Reacting to the announcement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office said on X, “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 to a post from the governor’s personal X account advocating pro-business reforms for the state:
“We will target opening 300 small to midsize neighborhood stores thru our Kirklands investment,” Lemonis wrote. “You are a smart man and I know the post below is out of frustration.”
In his statement, Lemonis emphasized that the choice “isn’t about politics,” though he repeatedly criticized the state’s regulatory environment:
“California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America,” he said.
During a Feb. 5 interview on Fox Business, Lemonis described a California law requiring corporations with revenues over $1 billion to report greenhouse gas emissions as a “crazy law.”
Additionally, Lemonis clashed with San Joaquin County when Camping World, where he serves as CEO, erected an oversized flagpole to fly an American flag without proper permits, according to the Los Angeles Times in 2024.
“Camping World has a habit of installing flagpoles that are quite large in size, but they do it without pulling permits,” San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti told the Times. “This is a self-inflicted issue, but as a business owner and someone who understands marketing, it’s brilliant.”
The Times noted that the flag in front of the Northern California French Camp location was removed from the 130-foot flagpole during the permitting process for an undisclosed period. Lemonis told Sacramento Fox affiliate FOX40 that he ordered the flag flown again in August 2024, adding,
“If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be okay, then I wouldn’t do it.”
