West Marine, the nation’s largest boating supply retailer, will close eight stores in Florida as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. The Fort Lauderdale-based company announced plans to shut down 59 locations nationwide, with timelines for remaining closures yet to be determined. Two stores in Brevard County remain open for now, according to a spokesperson.
The affected Florida locations include stores in Bonita Springs, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Orlando, Palm Coast, Port Charlotte, Venice, and Winter Haven. Specific addresses are listed in court filings. A representative confirmed the West Melbourne store at 1001 West New Haven Ave. and the Merritt Island location at 320 W. Merritt Island Causeway will stay open.
The company cited challenges including supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, and shifting consumer habits in a May 17 news release. It described the closures as a step to reduce debt and improve financial flexibility. A statement to USA TODAY on June 15 said the decision aligns store locations with current business needs while working with landlords.
No dates have been provided for the remaining closures. The Brevard stores are among the last in the state to remain operational. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, marking the latest phase in its restructuring effort.