Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of April 1, 2020, is made by and between Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., a New York corporation (the “Company”), and John Hartmann (“Executive”). This Agreement shall govern the relationship between Executive and the Company from and after June 1, 2020 or such earlier date as the parties shall mutually agree (the “Start Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Executive is willing and able to be employed by the Company and desires to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1.                   Retention and Duties.

(a)                The Company hereby engages and employs Executive for the Term (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. Executive hereby accepts and agrees to such engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

(b)                During the Term, Executive shall serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, buybuyBABY, and shall have such duties and responsibilities that are consistent with such positions. Executive shall report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). In addition, the CEO may from time to time, in his or her sole discretion, assign to the Executive such other duties, authorities and responsibilities that are not inconsistent with the Executive’s position as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, buybuyBABY, including without limitation, service as an officer and/or on the boards of directors and committees of one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries, in each case, without additional compensation. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, prior to the date on which the Company makes a public announcement regarding Executive’s appointment as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, buybuyBABY, Executive agrees and acknowledges that he shall treat the existence and terms of this Agreement and his pending employment with the Company as confidential and shall not disclose or discuss this Agreement with anyone, other than with his spouse and his legal and/or financial advisors for purposes of seeking professional advice therefrom.

(c)                Executive shall be located and perform his principal duties hereunder at the Company’s principal headquarters located in Union, New Jersey. Executive acknowledges and agrees that he will be expected to establish a residence in the New York metropolitan area as soon as reasonably practicable following the Start Date, but in no event later than September 1, 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees and acknowledges that significant travel may be part of the performance of his services hereunder.

(d)                During the Term, Executive shall devote his entire working time, attention, and energies to the Company and shall not be engaged in any other business activity, whether or not such business activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the prior written consent of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”); provided, however, that the foregoing is not intended to restrict Executive’s ability to (i) serve on the boards of civic or charitable organizations, or (ii) serve on any other board with the prior written consent of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof (subject in any event to compliance with the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines); provided, that the foregoing activities are not competitive with the business of the Company and do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties and obligations on behalf of the Company or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict of interest. Executive agrees to use his best efforts to perform his duties and responsibilities within, and agrees to abide by, the Company’s written general employment policies and practices and such other reasonable policies, practices and restrictions as the Company shall from time to time establish and maintain for its executives, including, without limitation, the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and Policy of Ethical Standards for Business Conduct.

2.                   Term. The “Term” shall be the period commencing on the Start Date and ending at the close of business on the day before the third (3^rd) anniversary of the Start Date, unless Executive’s employment with the Company terminates earlier pursuant to Section 5. The Term shall be extended automatically by successive one (1) year periods unless either party provides the other party with written notice of an intention not to renew the Term at least thirty (30) days prior to such renewal date. The “Term” shall include any such automatic one (1) year extensions. The Term may be further modified only by a written agreement between the parties and in such case, the term “Term” shall be deemed to mean the Term as so modified. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will.”

3.                   Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses.

(a)                Base Salary. During the Term, Executive’s annual base salary (the “Base Salary”) shall be $1,000,000.00, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time and subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings, but no less frequently than in semi-monthly installments. The Base Salary may be increased (but not decreased) by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) in its sole discretion. The parties acknowledge and agree that a portion of Executive’s Base Salary shall constitute consideration for Executive’s compliance with the restrictions and covenants set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement.

(b)                Annual Bonus. With respect to fiscal year 2020 (i.e., the fiscal year ending February 27, 2021) and for each completed fiscal year thereafter during the Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual cash performance bonus (the “Annual Bonus”), with a target Annual Bonus opportunity equal to one hundred and twenty-five percent (125%) of the Base Salary. The Annual Bonus earned, if any, with respect to a fiscal year will be subject to the performance of Executive and the Company during such year, relative to performance goals established for such fiscal year by the Compensation Committee, and may, for the avoidance of doubt, be less than the target Annual Bonus opportunity with respect to such year. The Compensation Committee shall determine the level of attainment of performance goals and the amount of the Annual Bonus following the end of each fiscal year, and the Company shall pay the Annual Bonus, to the extent payable in accordance with this Section 3(b), on or before the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the end of the fiscal year with respect to which it is earned, provided that Executive’s employment with the Company has not terminated on or prior to such date (except as expressly provided in Section 5(c) below).

(c)                Cash Awards.

(i)                 Make-Whole Cash Award. On the Company’s first payroll payment date following the Start Date, the Company shall pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment of $187,500.00, subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings, as a one-time inducement cash bonus.

(ii)               Sign-On Cash Award. On the Company’s first payroll payment date following the Start Date, the Company shall pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment of $500,000.00, subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings, as a one-time inducement cash bonus (the “Sign-on Bonus”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that Executive resigns his employment without Good Reason or if Executive’s employment is terminated involuntarily by the Company for Cause, in each case, prior to the first (1^st) anniversary of the Start Date, Executive shall repay the Sign-on Bonus to the Company, net of taxes. In such case, Executive (i) expressly agrees and authorizes the Company to deduct such net amount from Executive’s final paycheck and any other amounts that the Company might otherwise pay Executive upon termination and (ii) agrees to cooperate with the Company to facilitate the Company’s recoupment of taxes withheld and remitted to the applicable taxing authorities with respect to the Sign-on Bonus.

(d)                Make-Whole RSU Award.

(i)                 On the Start Date, the Company shall grant to Executive, and Executive shall receive, a one-time, make-whole award of time-vesting restricted stock units (“RSUs”) pursuant to the Company’s 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time (the “2012 Plan”), and/or the Company’s 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time or any successor plan (the “2018 Plan”) (the “Make-Whole RSU Award”). The Make-Whole RSU Award will have an aggregate value at grant equal to $3,000,000.00 and will vest in substantially equal installments on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the Start Date, subject to Executive’s continued employment with the Company from the Start Date through the applicable vesting date (except as otherwise expressly provided in Sections 5(c)(ii) and 5(c)(iii) below), and subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable equity award agreement and the 2012 Plan or the 2018 Plan, as applicable.

(ii)               The number of RSUs subject to the Make-Whole RSU Award will be determined by dividing the grant value set forth above by the volume-weighted average closing price of a share of the Company’s common stock over the twenty (20) trading day period ending immediately prior to the Start Date.

(e)                Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards. In fiscal year 2020, at the same time as such awards are granted to other members of the Company’s senior management team, the Company shall grant Executive a long-term equity incentive award(s) under the 2012 Plan and/or the 2018 Plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (the “2020 Equity Award”). The 2020 Equity Award will have a target value at grant equal to $3,500,000.00. Long-term equity incentive award(s) granted to Executive with respect to each fiscal year after fiscal year 2020 shall have a target value set by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, taking into account Executive’s position and performance with the Company and buybuyBABY. The form, vesting criteria and forfeiture provisions, and other terms and conditions with respect to 2020 Equity Award and any other future long-term equity incentive awards to be granted to Executive will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, and such awards will be subject to the terms and conditions of the 2012 Plan or 2018 Plan, as applicable, and any applicable award agreements thereunder. The determination of the number of shares subject to the 2020 Equity Award based on the value set forth above and any other long-term equity incentive awards granted hereunder, and the timing for such grants, will be made in accordance with the Compensation Committee Procedures for Equity Grants as in effect from time to time.

(f)                 Relocation Benefits. In connection with the commencement of Executive’s employment and Executive’s establishment of a residence in the New York metropolitan area, the Company shall provide Executive with the relocation benefits summarized on Exhibit A hereto.

(g)                Reimbursement of Legal Expenses. The Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for his reasonable out-of-pocket legal expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, up to a maximum of $15,000.00. Executive shall provide the Company with such receipts or invoices as the Company deems reasonably necessary to verify the amount of such expenses.

(h)                Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out his duties hereunder and shall, upon receipt by the Company of proper documentation with respect thereto (setting forth the amount, business purpose and establishing payment) be reimbursed for all such reasonable business expenses incurred during the Term, subject to the Company’s written expense reimbursement policies and any written pre-approval policies in effect from time to time.

4.                   Employee Benefits.

(a)                Company Employee Benefit Plans. During the Term, Executive shall be provided the opportunity to participate in all standard employee benefit programs made available by the Company to the Company’s senior executive employees generally, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such plans, including the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and programs, as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time. The Company reserves the right to amend any employee benefit plan, policy, program or arrangement from time to time, or to terminate such plan, policy, program or arrangement, consistent with the terms thereof at any time and for any reason without providing Executive with notice.

(b)                Financial Planning Benefit. During the Term, upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company will reimburse Executive for up to $15,000.00 annually for assistance with tax preparation and financial planning.

(c)                Automobile Allowance. During the Term, the Company will provide Executive with an automobile allowance of $20,000.00 per year on an after-tax basis, which may be applied toward the cost of leasing or purchasing an automobile, or toward the cost of a car service or other similar transportation service.

(d)                Vacation and Other Leave. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to take up to four (4) weeks of paid vacation time per calendar year, or such greater amount as may be provided pursuant to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, provided that such time will not carry over from one year to the next. Such paid vacation time will accrue on a monthly basis, but Executive may take the paid vacation time with respect to a given calendar year anytime in such calendar year, prior to or following accrual thereof (to the extent not previously used). Executive shall also be eligible for all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

5.                   Termination of Employment.

(a)                Termination by the Company; Termination Due to Death. Executive’s employment with the Company, and the Term, may be terminated by the Company immediately upon notice to Executive for an involuntary termination of employment for Cause (as defined in Section 5(f)(ii)), without Cause or due to Executive’s Disability (as defined in Section 5(f)(iii)). Executive’s employment with the Company, and the Term, shall automatically terminate upon Executive’s death.

(b)                Termination by Executive. Executive’s employment with the Company, and the Term, may be terminated by Executive for any reason with no less than thirty (30) calendar days’ advance written notice to the Company.

(c)                Benefits Upon Termination. If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Term for any reason by the Company or by Executive, the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to Executive, and Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

(i)                 Any Termination. The Company shall pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as defined in Section 5(f)(i)) within the thirty (30) day period (or such earlier or later period as required by law or the applicable governing document) following the date Executive’s employment terminates (the “Separation Date”), and Executive shall receive any vested accrued benefits for which Executive remains eligible under the Company’s employee welfare benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, payable according to the terms of such plans.

(ii)               Death or Disability. If Executive’s employment with the Company ends due to Executive’s death or Disability, then, in addition to the amounts payable under Section 5(c)(i), subject to Executive’s (or his estate’s or legal representative’s) timely execution, delivery, and non-revocation of the general release described in Section 5(e) (the “General Release”): (A) the Make-Whole RSU Award will immediately vest in full as of the Separation Date; and (B) the Company will pay Executive (or his estate or legal representative) any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for a fiscal year ending prior to the fiscal year in which the Separation Date occurs, which will be paid when otherwise payable under Section 3(b) even though Executive’s employment had terminated on or prior to that date, or, if later, as soon as reasonably practicable following the expiration of the applicable revocation period for the General Release.

(iii)             Non-Renewal by the Company; Without Cause; For Good Reason. If Executive’s employment with the Company ends as a result of a non-renewal of the Term by the Company (and conditions for a Cause termination do not otherwise exist), an involuntary termination by the Company without Cause or due to Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, then, in addition to the amounts payable under Section 5(c)(i), subject to Executive’s timely execution, delivery, and non-revocation of the General Release and the other conditions and limitations herein, the Company shall pay or provide Executive with the following benefits:

(A)              Cash severance equal to, in the aggregate, one point five (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Separation Date), and (y) Executive’s target Annual Bonus (at the rate in effect with respect to the fiscal year in which the Separation Date occurs), subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings (collectively, the “Severance Payment”), payable in substantially equal installments over the eighteen (18) months following the Separation Date in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll payment schedule; provided, that no installment or portion of the Severance Payment shall be payable or paid prior to the expiration of the applicable revocation period for the General Release; and provided further, that if the Severance Payment is subject to Section 409A (as defined in Section 5(f)(v)) and the timing of Executive’s execution and delivery of the General Release could affect the calendar year in which any amount of the Severance Payment is paid because the Separation Date occurred toward the end of a calendar year, then no portion of the Severance Payment shall be paid until the Company’s first payroll payment date in the year following the year in which the Separation Date occurs, and any amount that is not paid prior to such date due to such restriction shall be paid (subject to the applicable conditions) along with the installment scheduled to be paid on that date;

(B)              Any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus for a fiscal year ending prior to the fiscal year in which the Separation Date occurs, which will be paid when otherwise payable under Section 3(b) even though Executive’s employment had terminated on or prior to that date, or, if later, as soon as reasonably practicable following the expiration of the applicable revocation period for the General Release;

(C)              As of the Separation Date, full and immediate accelerated vesting of the Make-Whole RSU Award; and

(D)             If Executive elects continued health coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), Executive will only be responsible for paying a portion of the COBRA premium that is equal to Executive’s contribution rate in effect immediately prior to the Separation Date for Executive’s applicable Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, for the first seventy-eight (78) weeks of COBRA.  If Executive elects COBRA and does not pay an applicable COBRA premium within the time frame stipulated under COBRA, Executive’s COBRA coverage will be cancelled beginning after the period covered by the last COBRA premium paid, subject to the terms of the governing documents for the applicable group health plan.  Following the aforementioned seventy-eight (78)-week period, any continued health coverage pursuant to COBRA shall solely be at Executive’s cost.

(d)                Cooperation Upon Termination. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason, Executive shall cooperate as reasonably requested by the Board to effect an orderly transition.

(e)                Release; No Other Severance Benefits; No Mitigation.

(i)                 This Section 5(e) shall apply notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary. As a condition precedent to any Company obligation pursuant to Section 5(c)(ii) or Section 5(c)(iii) (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”), Executive (or his estate or legal representative) shall provide the Company with a valid, executed General Release in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (as reasonably revised by the Company to comply with applicable law changes or interpretations or as otherwise necessary to ensure or bolster enforceability or tax effectiveness), and not revoke such General Release prior to the expiration of any revocation rights afforded under applicable law. The Company shall provide Executive (or his estate or legal representative) with the executed General Release no later than five (5) days after the Separation Date, and Executive (or his estate or legal representative) must deliver his executed General Release to the Company within twenty-one (21) calendar days (or, if greater, the minimum period required by applicable law) after its delivery by the Company; if Executive (or his estate or legal representative) fails to timely execute and deliver a General Release that has been timely received, he will forfeit all rights to the Severance Benefits.

(ii)               Executive agrees that the Severance Benefits shall be in lieu of any other severance benefits or other right or remedy to which Executive would otherwise be entitled under the Company’s plans, policies or programs in effect on the Start Date or thereafter; provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, upon a termination of Executive’s employment, except as otherwise expressly provided herein with respect to the Make-Whole RSU Award, any equity awards held by him will be treated in accordance with the terms of the 2012 Plan or 2018 Plan, as applicable, and the award agreements governing such awards. Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event Executive breaches any provision of Section 6 or the General Release, and, if curable, fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving notice from the Company identifying such breach, his right to receive the Severance Benefits shall automatically terminate and Executive shall repay, return and restore any and all Severance Benefits received.

(iii)             Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, and there shall be no offset against amounts or benefits due under this Agreement or otherwise on account of any remuneration or other benefit earned or received by Executive after the Separation Date.

(f)                 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement:

(i)                 “Accrued Obligations” means (A) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including any amount for accrued and unused vacation time payable in accordance with Section 4(b) or applicable law) on or before the Separation Date, (B) any reimbursement due to Executive pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 for expenses incurred by Executive on or before the Separation Date and (C) any other vested benefits or other vested amounts due and owed to Executive under the then-applicable terms of any agreement, plan, program or arrangement of the Company.

(ii)               “Cause” means (A) Executive’s indictment for or plea of nolo contendere to a felony or commission of an act involving moral turpitude; (B) Executive’s commission of fraud, theft, embezzlement, self-dealing, misappropriation or other malfeasance against the business of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates (individually, a “Company Group Member” and collectively, the “Company Group”); (C) Executive’s indictment for or plea of nolo contendere to any serious offense that results in or would reasonably be expected to result in material financial harm, materially negative publicity or other material harm to any Company Group Member; (D) Executive’s failure to perform any material aspect of his lawful duties or responsibilities for the Company or the Company Group (other than by reason of his Disability), and if curable, fails to cure, in all material aspects, within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving notice from the Company identifying such failure; (E) Executive’s failure to comply with any lawful written policy of the Company (including, without limitation, the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines or Policy of Ethical Standards for Business Conduct) or reasonable directive of the CEO or the Board, and in either case, if curable, fails to cure, in all material aspects, within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving notice from the Company identifying such failure; (F) Executive’s commission of acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or gross misconduct in the performance of any aspect of his lawful duties or responsibilities; (G) Executive’s breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company Group; (H) Executive’s violation or breach of any Restrictive Covenant (as defined in Section 7(a)) or any material term of the Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 7(b) hereof and the requirement that Executive establish a residence in the New York metropolitan area within 12 months following the Start Date), and, if curable, fails to cure such violation or breach within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving notice from the Company identifying such violation or breach; or (I) Executive’s commission of any act or omission that damages or is reasonably likely to damage the financial condition or business of the Company or materially damages or is reasonably likely to materially damage the reputation, public image, goodwill, assets or prospects of the Company. In addition, Executive’s employment shall be deemed to have terminated for “Cause” if, on the date Executive’s employment terminates, facts and circumstances exist that would have justified a termination for Cause, to the extent such facts and circumstances are discovered within four (4) months after such termination.

(iii)             “Disability” means a physical or mental impairment that renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than ninety (90) calendar days, whether consecutive or not consecutive, in any consecutive twelve (12) month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

(iv)              “Good Reason” means, subject to Section 11(c), without Executive’s written consent, (A) a reduction in the Base Salary, other than a reduction of less than ten percent (10%) in connection with a comparable decrease applicable to all senior executives of the Company; (B) a requirement by the Company that Executive relocate his primary place of employment more than thirty-five (35) miles from its location as of the Start Date; (C) a material diminution in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities of employment; or (D) a change in Executive’s reporting line (i.e., Executive is no longer reporting directly to the CEO or the Board); provided, in each case, that Executive has given the Company written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within sixty (60) calendar days after the first occurrence of such circumstances, and the Company shall have thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of such notice to cure such circumstances in all material respects; provided further, that no termination due to Good Reason shall occur after the one-hundred twentieth (120^th) calendar day following the first occurrence of any grounds for Good Reason.

(v)                “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations, rules and other guidance promulgated thereunder.

(g)                Officer/Board/Committee Resignations. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive will be deemed to have resigned, without any further action by Executive, from any and all positions (including, but not limited to, any officer and/or director positions or positions as a fiduciary of any of the Company Group’s employee benefit plans) that Executive, immediately prior to such termination, (i) held within the Company Group and (ii) held with any other entities at the direction of, or as a result of Executive’s affiliation with, the Company Group. If, for any reason, this Section 5(g) is deemed to be insufficient to effectuate such resignations, then Executive will, upon the Company’s request, execute any documents or instruments that the Company may deem necessary or desirable to effectuate such resignations.

(h)                Section 409A.

(i)                 It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall be exempt from and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law; provided that if any such amount is or becomes subject to the requirements of Section 409A, it is intended that those amounts shall comply with such requirements. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent. In furtherance of that intent, if payment or provision of any amount or benefit hereunder that is subject to Section 409A at the time specified herein would subject such amount or benefit to any additional tax under Section 409A, the payment or provision of such amount or benefit shall be postponed to the earliest commencement date on which the payment or provision of such amount or benefit could be made without incurring such additional tax. In no event, however, shall the Company be liable for any tax, interest or penalty imposed on Executive under Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

(ii)               A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the Separation Date, Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to this Agreement that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation for purposes of Section 409A and that is payable upon a separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A) until the earlier of (A) the date which is six (6) months after his separation from service for any reason other than death, or (B) the date of Executive’s death; provided that this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A. Any amounts otherwise payable to Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following Executive’s separation from service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 5(h)(ii) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in any event within thirty (30) calendar days) after the date that is six (6) months after Executive’s separation from service (provided that in the event of Executive’s death after such separation from service but prior to payment, then such payment shall be made as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) calendar days, after the date of Executive’s death).

(iii)             Any reimbursement payment or in-kind benefit due to Executive pursuant to Sections 3 or 4, to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are taxable to him, shall be paid on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. Executive agrees to provide prompt notice to the Company of any such expenses (and any other documentation that the Company may reasonably require to substantiate such expenses) in order to facilitate the Company’s timely reimbursement of the same. Reimbursements and in-kind benefits pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits that Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements or benefits that Executive receives in any other taxable year.

(iv)              For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within thirty (30) calendar days following the Separation Date), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

(i)                 Section 280G. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event that any compensation, payment or distribution by the Company and all affiliates to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, including but not limited to the acceleration of the exercisability and/or vesting of any equity awards (the “Severance Amounts”), would, but for this Section 5(i), constitute an “excess parachute payment” as defined in Section 280G of the Code, the following provisions shall apply: (A) if the Severance Amounts, reduced by the sum of (I) the Excise Tax (as defined below) and (II) the total of the federal, state, and local income and employment taxes payable by Executive on the amount of the Severance Amounts which are in excess of the Threshold Amount (as defined below), are greater than or equal to the Threshold Amount, Executive shall be entitled to the full benefits payable under this Agreement, and (ii) if the Threshold Amount is less than (A) the Severance Amounts, but greater than (B) the Severance Amounts reduced by the sum of (1) the Excise Tax and (2) the total of the federal, state, and local income and employment taxes on the amount of the Severance Amounts which are in excess of the Threshold Amount, then the benefits payable under this Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the extent necessary so that the maximum Severance Amounts shall not exceed the Threshold Amount. For the purposes of this Section 5(i), “Threshold Amount” shall mean three (3) times Executive’s “base amount” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder less one dollar ($1.00), and “Excise Tax” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, and any interest or penalties incurred by Executive with respect to such excise tax. The determination as to which of the alternative provisions of this Section 5(i) shall apply to Executive shall be made by a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company or one of its affiliates (the “Accounting Firm”). For purposes of determining which of the alternative provisions of this Section 5(i) shall apply, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation applicable to individuals for the calendar year in which the determination is to be made, and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rates of individual taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence on the Separation Date, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Executive, absent fraud or manifest error. In addition, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event any payments are to be reduced, the reduction shall take place in a manner that produces the greatest economic advantage to Executive (and if reduction of two or more payments produce the same economic advantage they shall be reduced proportionally) but taking into account, as applicable, compliance with Section 409A. In no event shall the Company be liable or responsible for any Excise Tax imposed on Executive; provided, however, that this Section 5(i) shall not be construed to limit the remedies available to Executive in the event that Executive becomes subject to any Excise Tax, in a material amount, as a result of any fraud or error by the Accounting Firm.

6.                   Restrictive Covenants.

(a)                Non-Disclosure and Non-Use of Confidential Information.

(i)                 Executive shall not use or disclose to any individual or natural person, partnership (including a limited liability partnership), corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization or governmental authority (each, a “Person”), either during the Term or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor shall he make use of any of the Confidential Information for his own purposes or for the benefit of any Person except for the Company Group, except (A) to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by Executive’s performance in good faith of duties assigned to Executive by the Company or (B) to the extent required to do so by a law or legal process, including a court of competent jurisdiction, or (C) in confidence to his attorney or other professional advisor for the purpose of securing professional advice. Executive shall not modify, reverse engineer, decompile, create other works from or disassemble any software programs contained in the Confidential Information of the Company unless permitted in writing by the Company. Executive will, at the sole expense of the Company, take all reasonable steps to safeguard Confidential Information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft.

(ii)               For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by any Company Group Member in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by Executive during the Term concerning (A) the business or affairs of the Company Group (or any predecessor thereof) and (B) products, services, fees, costs, pricing structures, analyses, drawings, photographs and reports, computer software (including operating systems, applications and program listings), data bases, accounting and business methods, inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), customers and clients and customer and client lists, information on current and prospective independent sales agents, software vendors or partners and sponsor banks, all technology and trade secrets, and all similar and related information in whatever form. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Confidential Information” will not include any information that has been published in a form generally available to the public prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information (except where such public disclosure was made by Executive without authorization).

(iii)             For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement prohibits or restricts Executive (or Executive’s attorney) from responding to any inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive understands and acknowledges that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and that he is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures.

(iv)              Under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is (A) made in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Further, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the employer's trade secrets to the attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the individual: (x) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (y) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein shall preclude the Company from disclosing the existence and/or terms and conditions of this Agreement, including without limitation, to the extent required by applicable law (including, without limitation, under applicable securities laws) or by judicial or administrative process.

(b)                Intellectual Property Rights.

(i)                 Executive hereby assigns, transfers and conveys to the Company all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to all Work Product (as defined below). Executive agrees that all Work Product belongs in all instances to the Company. Executive will promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company (whether during or after the Term) to establish and confirm the Company’s ownership of such Work Product (including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of assignments, consents, powers of attorney and other instruments) and to provide reasonable assistance to the Company (whether during or after the Term) in connection with the prosecution of any applications for patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks or reissues thereof or in the prosecution or defense of interferences relating to any Work Product. Executive recognizes and agrees that the Work Product, to the extent copyrightable, constitutes works for hire under the copyright laws of the United States.

(ii)               For purposes of this Agreement, “Work Product” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, trade dress, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable) which relates to the actual or anticipated business, operations, research and development of existing or future products or services of the Company Group and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive (whether or not during usual business hours and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other Person) during the Term together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Work Product” shall not include the patents and other assets set forth on Exhibit C hereto. Executive hereby represents and warrants that the patents and other assets owned by Executive set forth on Exhibit C are not related in any way to the Company Group, except as stated therein.

(c)                Non-Competition. During the Term and for eighteen (18) months following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, whether or not Executive is entitled to severance (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not, and shall cause his controlled affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, through or in association with any third party, engage or be interested in any Competitive Business in the United States as a shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, broker, partner, individual proprietor, lender, consultant or in any other capacity (provided, that nothing herein contained will prevent Executive from owning less than one percent (1%) of any class of equity or debt securities of any publicly traded company). For purposes of this Agreement, “Competitive Business” means (i) any business or enterprise that includes the operation of any retail store which utilizes more than thirty percent (30%) of the selling space of the store for the sale of any combination of: giftware; housewares; linens and domestics; home furnishings; and/or health and beauty care products; and/or products for infants and young children (including, without limitation, cribs and juvenile furniture, toys and games, infant’s and young children’s clothing, strollers, car seats, carriers, bedding, bath and safety accessories, and feeding and eating accessories); and/or (ii) any business or enterprise that includes the operation of any non-traditional retail format (such as, but not limited to, any online, internet, catalog or television format) which allocates more than thirty percent (30%) of such format’s listing space or time slots to the sale of any combination of: giftware; housewares; linens and domestics; home furnishings; and/or health and beauty care products; and/or products for infants and young children (including, without limitation, cribs and juvenile furniture, toys and games, infant’s and young children’s clothing, strollers, car seats, carriers, bedding, bath and safety accessories, and feeding and eating accessories); and/or (iii) any other material business or enterprise of the Company Group.

(d)                Non-Solicitation and Non-Interference. During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, and shall cause his controlled affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, through or in association with any third party, (i) call on, solicit or service, engage or contract with or take any action which may interfere with, impair, subvert, disrupt or alter the relationship, contractual or otherwise, between any Company Group Member and any current or prospective customer, supplier, distributor, developer, service provider, licensor or licensee, or other material business relation of such Company Group Member, (ii) solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any employees of or consultants to the Company Group to terminate their relationship with the Company Group or take away or hire such employees or consultants, (iii) divert or take away the business or patronage (with respect to products or services of the kind or type developed, produced, marketed, furnished or sold by the Company Group) of any of the clients, customers or accounts, or prospective clients, customers or accounts, of the Company Group or (iv) attempt to do any of the foregoing, either for Executive’s own purposes or for any other third party.

(e)                Non-Disparagement. Executive shall not, in any manner, directly or indirectly, make any oral or written statement to any Person that disparages or places any Company Group Member or any of their respective officers, shareholders, members or advisors, any member of the Board, or any agents or others with whom the Company has business relationships, in a false or negative light; provided, however, that Executive shall not be required to make any untruthful statement or to violate any law, and shall not be prohibited from enforcing his rights under this Agreement or any other written agreement, plan or arrangement of the Company Group.

7.                   Acknowledgment and Enforcement of Covenants; Representations.

(a)                Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that he has become familiar, or will become familiar with, the Company Group Members’ trade secrets and with other confidential and proprietary information concerning the Company Group Members and their respective predecessors, successors, customers and suppliers, and that his services are of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company would not enter into this Agreement, providing for compensation and other benefits to Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein, but for Executive’s agreements herein (including those set forth in Section 6). Furthermore, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company will be providing Executive with additional special knowledge after the Start Date, with such special knowledge to include additional Confidential Information and trade secrets. Executive agrees that the covenants set forth in Section 6 (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company Group’s trade secrets and other Confidential Information, proprietary information, good will, stable workforce and customer relations.

(b)                Representations.

(i)                 Without limiting the generality of Executive’s agreement with the provisions of Section 7(a), Executive (A) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants; (B) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder; (C) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants; and (D) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above regardless of whether Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company Group, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given his education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent him from otherwise earning a living. Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of Executive.

(ii)               Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that: (A) the information that Executive provided to the Company regarding his background is truthful and accurate; (B) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance by Executive of his duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which Executive is subject; (C) at the Start Date, Executive shall have no documents or other property containing confidential information and trade secrets relating to any other person or entity that would prevent Executive under the terms of any other agreement or arrangement from entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder, or the possession of which would give rise to a violation of such other agreement or arrangement; (D) Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-competition, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement) with any other person or entity that would prevent Executive under the terms of any other agreement or arrangement from entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder without giving rise to a violation of such other agreement or arrangement; (E) to the best of his knowledge, Executive is not currently and has never been the subject of any allegation or complaint of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or sexual or other misconduct in connection with any prior employment or otherwise, and has never been a party to any settlement agreement or nondisclosure agreement relating to such matters; and (F) Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of Executive set forth herein and Executive consents to such reliance.

(c)                Enforcement. Executive agrees that a breach by Executive of any of the Restrictive Covenants may cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company or another Company Group Member that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company or the Company Group Member for any such injury may therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement at law or otherwise, to seek to obtain from any court of competent jurisdiction specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the Restrictive Covenants, or require Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of the Restrictive Covenants if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against Executive.

(d)                Severability. If, at the time of enforcement of the Restrictive Covenants, a court or arbitrator holds that the Restrictive Covenants are unreasonable under the circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated period, scope or area determined to be reasonable under the circumstances by such court or arbitrator, as applicable. Executive covenants and agrees that Executive shall not assert as a defense to any action seeking enforcement of the Restrictive Covenants (including an action seeking injunctive relief) that such provisions are not enforceable due to lack of sufficient consideration received by Executive.

(e)                Tolling. In the event of any violation of the provisions of Section 6, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in Section 6 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.

(f)                 Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Sections 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 hereof shall survive any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

8.                   Withholding Taxes/Authorized Deductions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause to be withheld) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, social security, employment or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation, and make such deductions as may be applicable pursuant to the Company’s policies and employee benefit plans.

9.                   Cooperation. During and after the Term, Executive shall cooperate fully with any investigation or inquiry by the Company, or any governmental or regulatory agency or body concerning the Company or any other member of the Company Group; provided, that the Company shall reimburse Executive’s reasonable expenses incurred in providing such cooperation subject to Executive’s delivery of written notice to the Company prior to the time such expenses are incurred.

10.               Clawback. To the extent required by applicable law or regulation, any applicable stock exchange listing standards or any clawback policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, regulation or stock exchange listing standards, or to comport with good corporate governance practices, the Annual Bonus and any other incentive compensation granted to Executive (whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) shall be subject to the provisions of any applicable clawback policies or procedures, which may provide for forfeiture and/or recoupment of such amounts paid or payable under this Agreement or otherwise, including the incentive equity awards granted or to be granted to Executive under Sections 3(d) and/or 3(e) of this Agreement or any other incentive equity awards granted to Executive.

11.               Miscellaneous.

(a)                Indemnification. Both during and after the Term, Executive will be indemnified (and advanced expenses) to the fullest extent permitted under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws applicable to any officer of the Company. During the Term and thereafter until the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, Executive will be covered by the Company’s Directors and Officers liability insurance policies on terms and conditions that are no less favorable than those offered to any other then-current officer or director.

(b)                Insurance. The Company may, at its option and for its benefit, obtain insurance with respect to Executive’s death, disability or injury. Executive agrees to submit to such physical examinations and supply such information as may be reasonably required in order to permit the Company to obtain such insurance.

(c)                Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Notwithstanding anything herein or otherwise to the contrary, the Executive agrees and acknowledges that all compensation and benefits provided to the Executive by the Company, whether under this Agreement or otherwise, shall be subject to all applicable requirements under law or regulation, including without limitation, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, and any actions taken by the Company to comply with any such laws or regulations shall not be a breach of this Agreement or constitute Good Reason under this Agreement or any other agreements between the Company and the Executive.

(d)                Consent to Jurisdiction. All actions or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be tried and litigated only in the New York State or Federal courts located in the County of New York, State of New York. The parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts for the purpose of any such action or proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief to enforce the terms of this Agreement in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(e)                Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

(f)                 Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

(g)                Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope and supersedes all prior agreements (including, without limitation, any offer letters, term sheets and correspondence relating thereto), whether written or oral, that directly or indirectly bear upon the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by written agreement executed by both of the parties hereto.

(h)                Offsets. To the extent not prohibited under applicable law, the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, has the right to set off (or cause to be set off) any amounts otherwise due to Executive from the Company in satisfaction of any repayment obligation of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, provided that any such amounts are exempt from, or set off in a manner intended to comply with, the requirements of Section 409A.

(i)                 Waiver. No waiver of any of any provision of this Agreement will constitute or be deemed to constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, nor will any such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided in a writing executed by the party against whom it is sought to be enforced.

(j)                 Successors and Assigns. Neither party hereto may assign its rights or delegate its duties hereunder, except that the Company may assign its rights hereunder to any person that (i) acquires substantially all of the business and assets of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, purchase of assets or other acquisition transaction), and (ii) agrees in writing to assume the obligations of the Company hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall create, or be deemed to create, any third party beneficiary rights in any Person, including, without limitation, any employee of the Company, other than Executive.

(k)                Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, as follows:

If to the Company, at:

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

650 Liberty Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

Attention: Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel

If to Executive, at:

Executive’s home address on file with the Company

Either party hereto may change its or his address for the purpose of this paragraph by written notice similarly given.

(l)                 Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting. Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

(m)              Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures delivered as a “pdf” attachment to an email to the other party shall be sufficient for all purposes.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

EXHIBIT A

RELOCATION BENEFITS

To assist you with your establishment of a residence in the Union, NJ area, you will be eligible for relocation assistance (“Relocation Assistance”).  This Relocation Assistance will be provided for the eligible relocation expenses outlined below.  Relocation Assistance will be delivered to you in the form of a reimbursement based on original receipts or expense documents submitted, except where a direct bill arrangement has been established.  The Company will also “gross up” for tax purposes your eligible relocation expenses that are not tax deductible.

The items listed below are eligible for Relocation Assistance:

For expenses that are not direct billed to the Company, please submit all eligible relocation related expenses, with receipts, to Paul Dombek for processing no later than thirty (30) days after each applicable relocation expense is incurred.  Such amounts shall be reimbursed within thirty (30) days after receipt of expenses and related documentation by the Company.

If you voluntarily resign your employment without Good Reason or if you are involuntarily terminated by the Company for Cause (i) prior to the first (1^st) anniversary of the Start Date, you agree to repay the full gross amount (including any tax gross-up) of all payments, benefits and expense reimbursements paid by the Company pursuant to this Exhibit A, or (ii) on or after the first (1^st) anniversary of the Start Date but prior to the second (2^nd) anniversary of the Start Date, you agree to repay fifty percent (50%) of the full gross amount (including any tax gross-up) of all payments, benefits and expense reimbursements paid by the Company pursuant to this Exhibit A. To the extent permitted by applicable law, you hereby expressly agree and authorize the Company to deduct any amounts owed to the Company pursuant to this Exhibit A from your final paycheck and any other amounts that the Company might otherwise pay upon termination.

EXHIBIT B

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (the “Agreement and General Release”) is made and entered into on _____________, 20__ by and between John Hartmann (“Executive”) and Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., a New York corporation (the “Company”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been employed by the Company and the parties wish to resolve all outstanding claims and disputes between them relating to such employment;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement and General Release, the sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, it is agreed as follows:

¹ To be extended to 45 days in the event of a group termination under the ADEA.

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS
AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE INCLUDES A
RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.