The former Bed Bath & Beyond property in Springfield has been vacant for more than two years, but now another national retailer is preparing to move in.
The Bed Bath & Beyond location at 3251 S. Veterans Parkway closed in early 2023, one of hundreds of stores shuttered nationwide as part of the retailer’s attempt to avoid bankruptcy. Now, an Aug. 14 building permit filed with the city of Springfield lists the work underway as a “tenant build-out for Bob’s Discount Furniture.”
Bob’s Discount Furniture has more than 200 stores across 26 states, making it one of the fastest-growing furniture retailers, according to the company’s website. In April, the Connecticut-based company announced plans to open an additional 20 stores this year, including its first stores in Vermont and North Carolina.
Bob’s Discount Furniture currently has multiple stores in the Chicago area, but none in central or southern Illinois. There are also several stores in the St. Louis area and one in Davenport, Iowa.
Earlier this month, The News-Gazette reported that Bob’s Discount Furniture planned to open a Champaign location, also in a former Bed Bath & Beyond store.
“We’re excited to bring our on-trend assortment of furniture, mattresses and home accents at everyday low prices to new customers and markets,” said Ramesh Murthy, Chief Operating Officer at Bob’s Discount Furniture, when the new locations were announced. “Adding new territories also allows us to make a local impact on more communities by generating jobs and providing support to local schools and nonprofits, things that have been core to Bob’s since our founding over 30 years ago.”
A company spokesperson told SBJ that a grand opening is planned for winter 2026.
This article appears in SBJ August 2025.