West Marine is preparing to shut down approximately 59 stores nationwide as it navigates bankruptcy proceedings.
The Fort Lauderdale‑based boating and fishing supply retailer filed for Chapter 11 protection last month and identified 59 locations across 23 states for closure as part of its restructuring plan.
The company noted it operates more than 200 stores in 34 states and Puerto Rico.
The exterior of a West Marine store in Woburn, Massachusetts. (Getty Images)
Following discussions with advisors, West Marine announced a strategic reorganization aimed at addressing its capital structure while maximizing stakeholder value.
The retailer cited supply‑chain disruptions, extreme weather, and shifting consumer habits as factors that contributed to its financial challenges and prompted the bankruptcy filing.
Its restructuring initiative is designed to bolster the balance sheet, lower debt, and increase financial flexibility.
A West Marine store in Lafayette, Louisiana, in 2022. (Getty Images)
West Marine CEO Paulee Day emphasized the company’s longstanding role in the boating community, stating that the current actions will streamline operations and enable continued service to customers for years to come.
According to its restructuring website, West Marine intends to proceed through bankruptcy on an expedited timeline and aims to emerge from Chapter 11 by mid‑August.
The West Marine headquarters building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Getty Images)
The retailer assured that stores will remain open and day‑to‑day operations will not change for customers during the bankruptcy process.
Store closures are slated for 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.