Marcus Lemonis, the chief executive of Bed Bath & Beyond, says the company will not be opening new retail stores in California, blaming what he calls a crushing mix of taxes, labor costs, and regulations that make the state inhospitable for business growth.
“Not Politics — Reality”
In a statement released this week, Lemonis stressed that the decision was driven by economics, not partisanship.
“California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America,” he said. “It’s harder to employ people, harder to keep doors open, and harder to deliver value to customers.”
Lemonis argued that rising taxes, mandated wage increases, and regulatory requirements have created a climate in which many companies cannot remain competitive. He also criticized the state’s budget policies, saying surpluses are “built on the backs of citizens and businesses already paying too much.”
Shifting to Online-Only Strategy
While rejecting physical expansion, Bed Bath & Beyond will continue serving California shoppers through its e-commerce platform. Lemonis said the company is doubling down on fast delivery, with many orders arriving within 24 to 48 hours — and in some areas, the same day.
“At Bed Bath & Beyond, our responsibility is to customers and shareholders,” he explained. “We will not participate in a system that undermines both. Instead, Californians will get the products they want online, without the inflated costs of operating brick-and-mortar stores in an unsustainable environment.”
A Broader Stand
Lemonis framed the decision as part of a bigger debate over the future of business in California.
“Businesses deserve the chance to succeed. Employees deserve stable jobs. And customers deserve fair prices,” he said. “California’s system delivers the opposite.”
The company’s shift highlights a growing trend of retailers rethinking physical investments in the state while expanding digital operations to remain competitive.
