(NewsNation) — Bed Bath & Beyond is aiming for a comeback, but it says not to expect any new stores in California.
Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis said the decision isn’t political — it’s a response to the state’s unfriendly business environment.
“California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America,” Lemonis said in a statement. “It’s a system that makes it harder to employ people, harder to keep doors open, and harder to deliver value to customers.”
Lemonis said the retailer will have stores in “almost every other state” in a response on X.
Wednesday’s announcement comes as the housewares store tries to stage a comeback two years after filing for bankruptcy.
Earlier this month, the first revamped Bed Bath & Beyond Home store opened in Nashville.
It’s been a multi-year journey for the popular home goods brand that went defunct in 2023. After the chain went bankrupt, Overstock.com acquired the intellectual property, rebranded as Beyond, Inc. and relaunched the Bed Bath & Beyond domain online.
Earlier this year, Beyond took an ownership stake in Kirkland’s Inc., a home decor chain with around 300 stores nationwide. Kirkland’s has since rebranded as The Brand House Collective and plans to roll out Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores by converting existing Kirkland’s stores.
Depending on how things go in Nashville, the company plans to convert approximately 75 stores through 2026.
Lemonis, a Lebanese American businessman who is also the CEO of Camping World, said Californians can continue to buy Bed Bath & Beyond products online.
“We’re taking a stand because it’s time for common sense,” Lemonis said regarding Bed Bath & Beyond. “Businesses deserve the chance to succeed.”
Beyond his business ventures, Lemonis is a popular TV personality, starring in the CNBC reality show The Profit. He also appeared on two episodes of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice back in 2012.
He was at odds with local government officials in Northern California last year over a flag flying at a Camping World location.
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