Boating Retail Giant To Close MD Stores Amid Bankruptcy

West Marine will close four Maryland stores as the boating supply retailer shrinks its footprint during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

"This decision reflects our effort to align our store footprint with our current business needs, while continuing to evaluate our portfolio in coordination with landlords," the company said in a statement to Patch.

The business, which is among the largest specialty retailers of boating supplies, fishing tackle and marine gear in the U.S., will close the following stores in Maryland:

• Baltimore - 2700 Lighthouse Pt. E #100, Baltimore
• Edgewater - 3257-B Solomon's Island Rd., Edgewater
• Rock Hall - 21386 Rock Hall Ave., Rock Hall
• Ocean City - 12638 Ocean Gateway, Units 1-5, Ocean City
  21842

The four Maryland stores are among 59 locations across 23 states slated to close, the company stated.

West Marine announced on May 17 that it had filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection, saying it had reached a restructuring support agreement with financial stakeholders to reduce debt and improve liquidity.

“We recently made the difficult decision to close select store locations,” the company said in a message about the closures. “While this change wasn't easy, our commitment to you hasn't changed one bit — West Marine is open, stocked and ready to help with everything you need to get back on the water.”

The Fort Lauderdale-based company said in May that customers would continue to have access to marine products through its roughly 200 retail locations across 34 states and Puerto Rico, online platforms and the West Marine Pro app.

The company cited supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events and shifts in consumer behavior among the challenges it has faced in recent years, according to its announcement.

The company has not announced a final closing date for the Maryland stores, but is holding special sales at the stores its closing, West Marine stated.

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