Long-term plans to open 400 additional Bed Bath & Beyondunits across the United States are actually a slowing of thatchain's growth, as the company accelerates its expansion in Canada,where it currently has two stores. Twelve more locations are undernegotiation and more sites are being scouted, for a corporate goal"to become the leading home furnishings chain in Canada," saidWarren Eisenberg, co-chairman.

For 2008, the company will open 50 new Bed Bath & Beyondstores, as well as 12 Christmas Tree Shops, "several" buybuy BABYstores, and freestanding and in-store Harmon and Harmon Faceunits.

"While the number of store openings in these newer concepts areexpected to grow significantly, we are moderating the number of BedBath & Beyond openings," Eisenberg said. "In doing so, weremain flexible to take advantage of additional real estateopportunities, if we so choose, due to the ongoing consolidation inour industry."