Home goods, apparel and department stores could face the most pressure in the months ahead, he added. With Bed Bath & Beyond 's namesake banner underperforming in recent quarters, the retailer has faced pressure from an activist to hive off its Buybuy Baby chain, which is viewed as a stronger part of the business. Kohl's, an off-mall department store retailer, also came under activist pressure to consider a sale and now is in exclusive deal talks with Franchise Group, the owner of Vitamin Shoppe.