NEW LIFE: Bed Bath & Beyond breaks silence on new store rumors after fans urge chain to ‘come back from the retail death’

According to THE SUN, Bed Bath & Beyond has finally addressed customer requests for the return of its beloved brand after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2023.

The Fall of a Retail Giant

Since 2004, Bed Bath & Beyond spent approximately $11.8 billion on share buybacks, which ultimately contributed to its substantial debt. The company’s financial struggles were compounded by high inflation rates, rising interest costs, and supply chain interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to its eventual bankruptcy filing, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Over several months, Bed Bath & Beyond began liquidating its assets, closing its remaining 360 brick-and-mortar stores along with 120 buybuy Baby locations.

During the bankruptcy proceedings, Overstock acquired the Bed Bath & Beyond name, domain, and loyalty program for $21.5 million. Following this acquisition, Overstock rebranded itself as Beyond Inc., which encompasses several retailers, including Zulily and Backyard.

Rumors of a Comeback

Recently, there have been rumors suggesting that Bed Bath & Beyond stores might reopen under Beyond Inc. However, a spokesperson clarified to The U.S. Sun that this would not be the case, stating, “We will not be opening physical retail stores of our own.” Instead, Beyond Inc. plans to revive a “Bed Bath & Beyond branded assortment” for customers through a new global licensing program. This initiative will enable the sale of Bed Bath & Beyond-branded textile goods through various retailers, including mass-market, off-price, and online marketplaces.

Beyond Inc. is also working on licensing agreements to potentially introduce Bed Bath & Beyond stores in Mexico and other international markets.

Fresh Products Ahead

While physical Bed Bath & Beyond locations will not be returning, customers can still look forward to accessing the branded assortment online and through select physical stores. The upcoming products will focus on four core areas: the bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, and the patio. Specific release dates for these items have yet to be announced.

Marcus Lemonis, the executive chairman of Beyond Inc., emphasized the commitment to affordability with the new Bed Bath & Beyond assortment. “We’re thrilled to bring the beloved Bed Bath & Beyond brand back to life in this new and exciting way,” he stated. He added that the brand aims to provide “affordable, quality goods that will soon be on retail shelves — both physical and online,” reiterating the brand’s aspiration to remain “both aspirational and attainable.”

Customer Reactions

The news has generated excitement among some customers eager for the return of the Bed Bath & Beyond brand. “Bed Bath & Beyond is coming back from the retail death kind of,” one customer expressed on Facebook. However, skepticism remains, with others commenting, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” and, “I miss this store!!” Some customers even suggested a return to the nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s.

Retail Landscape Challenges

Bed Bath & Beyond is not the only retailer facing challenges this year. Big Lots recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to close 545 locations. Additionally, LL Flooring filed for bankruptcy in August, announcing it would close about half of its over 400 locations while also changing its name. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the comeback of Bed Bath & Beyond, albeit in a new form, offers a glimmer of hope for loyal customers.