Boating Retail Giant To Close MA Stores Amid Bankruptcy

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

The business, which is among the largest specialty retailers of boating supplies, fishing tackle and marine gear in the U.S., will close its Marblehead store at 32 Atlantic Ave. and the Vineyard Haven store at 52 Beach Rd. The two are among 59 locations in 23 states slated to close, according to the company.

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.

West Marine will continue operating other Massachusetts stores in Braintree, Woburn, Danvers, Plymouth, Seekonk, Fairhaven, Falmouth and Hyannis.

The company has not announced a final closing date for the Marblehead or Vineyard Haven stores.

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