Over the years, it fell behind Amazon, Walmart, Target (NYSE: TGT), and other better-run retailers. Bed Bath & Beyond's rapid deterioration, which was worsened by the pandemic and the inflationary headwinds over the past two years, suggests it will suffer the same fate as Sears, J.C. Penney, and other victims of the retail apocalypse. Tritton tried to streamline the company by selling most of its non-core banners, closing down dozens of its weaker namesake stores, liquidating its excess inventories with steep markdowns, and expanding its online marketplace.