Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has unveiled plans to introduce a national franchise system, marking a major shift in strategy as the iconic home retail brand refocuses on a smaller network of company-owned stores complemented by locally owned franchise locations.
The move signals a bold step toward capital-efficient growth, allowing entrepreneurs across the U.S. to operate under the Bed Bath & Beyond banner while benefiting from the company’s established infrastructure, technology, and brand recognition.
A Turnkey Retail Franchise Model
Under the new franchise system, local owners will manage stores that mirror the traditional Bed Bath & Beyond experience—offering a curated mix of home, kitchen, living, storage, organization, and holiday décor products.
Each franchise will feature a turnkey retail format, blending national brand consistency with local character. Approximately 80% of inventory will be standardized and curated by the company, while the remaining 20% will be locally sourced to highlight regional artisans, products, and design preferences.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
“Our goal is to grow Bed Bath & Beyond in the most capital-efficient manner,” said Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman of Bed Bath & Beyond. “This system enables local owners to deliver personal service and local flavor while leveraging our national infrastructure, marketing, and technology.”
Franchisees will benefit from AI-powered business tools, data analytics, and e-commerce integration, enabling smarter forecasting, inventory management, and customer engagement. Each franchisee will also share in the economics of the brand’s online platform, bridging the in-store and digital shopping experience.
Flexible Financing and Tech-Driven Innovation
To make the franchise more accessible, Bed Bath & Beyond plans to offer flexible financing options, including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and tokenized investment opportunities via the TZero platform—a pioneering step in retail franchising.
The franchise development team, led by Ron Taylor, will guide new franchisees through site selection, operational training, marketing support, and continuous brand alignment.
Next Steps and Strategic Expansion
The company expects to finalize franchise documentation within six months, with the first franchise locations expected to launch soon after. This strategy follows the reopening of Bed Bath & Beyond’s first new corporate store in Tennessee in August and its acquisition of Kirkland’s Home brand assets for $10 million—a move that will see several Kirkland’s stores rebranded as Bed Bath & Beyond outlets.
A New Era for Bed Bath & Beyond
By merging its powerful retail legacy with a modern franchise growth model, Bed Bath & Beyond is poised to reestablish itself as a dynamic, tech-enabled home retail leader. The company’s multichannel approach—combining physical, digital, and franchise expansion—signals a strong comeback for one of America’s most recognized home goods brands.