The Houston-area stores are among 76 locations Leslie’s expects to vacate within two weeks of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Houston, according to court filings. The closures are part of the retailer’s first wave, dubbed “Wave 1.” The filings distinguish the 76 stores from roughly 80 stores and one distribution center the company closed before filing for bankruptcy.
The company said in a Wednesday announcement that it reached a restructuring agreement with lenders to cut about $685 million, or roughly 90 percent, of its outstanding debt. Leslie’s has said stores outside the planned closures remain open and that customers can continue shopping in stores, online and through its mobile app.
“Leslie’s is here to stay, and I am deeply grateful to our employees, customers, and partners for their continued support as we work to position Leslie’s for a strong future,” CEO Jason McDonell said in the announcement.