Outdoor retailer closing nearly 60 stores amid bankruptcy

West Marine, the Fort Lauderdale-based boating and fishing retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month and announced plans to close 59 stores in 23 states as part of its restructuring. The company said it operates more than 200 retail locations across 34 states and Puerto Rico and intends to wind down the identified sites while continuing normal operations at the remaining locations. The closures reflect ongoing financial pressures from supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, and shifts in consumer behavior that contributed to the bankruptcy filing. The move is designed to streamline the footprint and strengthen the company’s capital structure to support future operations. CEO Paulee Day described the filing as a necessary step to address the company’s capital structure and maximize value for stakeholders. West Marine plans to pursue an expedited Chapter 11 process and targets emerging from bankruptcy by mid-August, with no expected disruption to day-to-day operations during the restructuring. The restructuring will reduce debt levels and provide greater financial flexibility to invest in inventory, store upkeep, and service capabilities across its remaining network. The company emphasized that it remains open for business and will continue serving customers and communities throughout the process. Store closures cover Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, according to West Marine’s announcement. The plan aims to preserve value for creditors and stakeholders while the company navigates the Chapter 11 process.