A Surprise CEO Change at Bed Bath & Beyond Has Ties to the RV Industry

Marcus Lemonis has been named chief executive officer of Bed Bath & Beyond. He will keep his role as executive chairman while stepping into the CEO position.

Lemonis is a familiar name to many RV owners as the former CEO of Camping World, where he oversaw a large national retail operation focused on RV sales, service, and accessories. His appointment comes as Bed Bath & Beyond continues rebuilding after years of financial trouble and a bankruptcy that led to the closure of all physical stores in 2023.

In a letter to shareholders cited by Fox Business, Lemonis said the company’s core business is now stabilized. From there, his focus shifts to cutting costs and expanding how the company makes money. That includes leaning into an omnichannel retail model and adding revenue streams beyond traditional home goods.

Lemonis said the company plans to introduce higher-margin services such as warranties, insurance products, and financing tools. He also outlined plans to build customer tools tied to major home-related life events, connected through AI technology.

Bed Bath & Beyond currently owns several brands, including Overstock, buybuy Baby, and Kirkland’s Home. The company also holds blockchain-related assets such as tZERO and GrainChain.

That’s where things get more concrete on the retail side. Fox Business reports that in September, Bed Bath & Beyond acquired the Kirkland’s Home trade name and related brand assets for about $10 million and expanded its investment in Kirkland’s operations. Existing Kirkland’s stores are expected to be converted into Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations as part of an effort to rebuild a physical footprint. Lemonis told shareholders that the pending transaction could add roughly $350 million in net revenue.

Lemonis also said the company plans to pursue acquisitions and investments over the next 12 months where it sees category gaps, service opportunities, or natural brand extensions. No specific targets were identified.

Once known for sprawling stores and widely used 20 percent off coupons, Bed Bath & Beyond is now attempting a structured turnaround under leadership that many RVers already recognize. How that strategy plays out remains to be seen, but the direction outlined to shareholders marks a clear shift from how the company operated in its earlier years.