Bed Bath and Beyond Begone
Abstract
This case study examines the rise and fall of a successful U.S. retail chain. After humble beginnings in 1971, Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY) grew to an enormous entity operating in all 50 states (as well as Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and Canada). Beginning in 2016, things began to change, and the firm entered a rapid decline and ultimate bankruptcy and failure in 2023. Although the failure occurred during a period of significant changes fostered by the COVID-19 pandemic, other factors at play led to the rapid decline of the company. This case study examines the impact of poor management decisions, inadequate strategic planning and forecasting, and deficient supply chain management on the failure of a retail icon.