Fort Lauderdale, FL – A major marine supply retailer is reducing its nationwide store count as part of a restructuring effort following a recent bankruptcy filing.
West Marine, a Fort Lauderdale based company known for selling boating, fishing, sailing, and marine products, announced plans to close 59 stores across 23 states after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The move is part of a broader effort to reorganize the company’s operations while continuing business at its remaining locations.
According to court filings, the closures represent a significant portion of the retailer’s footprint but do not signal the end of the company.
West Marine has stated that it intends to continue serving customers through its remaining stores, online platform, and distribution network during the restructuring process.
Florida is among the states most affected by the planned closures.
Several locations throughout the state are expected to shut down, including stores in Port Charlotte, Venice, Jacksonville, Orlando, Bonita Springs, Winter Haven, Palm Coast, and Fernandina Beach.
Additional closures are planned in states including California, Washington, Michigan, Texas, and North Carolina.
Company officials have cited a combination of financial challenges that contributed to the bankruptcy filing.
Court records point to rising operational costs, long term lease obligations, shifting consumer spending patterns, supply chain issues, and reduced demand following a surge in recreational boating activity during the pandemic years.
Liquidation sales are expected to take place at affected locations as the company works through the bankruptcy process.
Despite the store closures, West Marine has indicated that it plans to emerge from Chapter 11 with a smaller retail footprint and a renewed focus on its core business operations.
The restructuring process remains ongoing as the company seeks approval from the bankruptcy court for various aspects of its plan.