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 WM ch11?		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5475 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/25/2026 :  07:08:43  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So last week I received a note in my inbox about WestM’s entrance into chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, including three documents: (1) a cover letter from their legal council to creditors, (2) a notice about a Zoom conference call inviting creditors to listen in for more information, and (3) a letter including legal rigmarole about the move.
Kinda sad, really.
Part of the letter explained that customers can still expect fine service in the stores and online.
On Saturday I received a $25-off coupon for items if I spent at least $75 in the store or online. It shows that they need cash quickly to remain afloat.
Things will likely change now that this ball is rolling.
They’ve got a pretty extensive brick and mortar footprint across North America, so this might change in the future.
They’ve had a policy of matching any valid online price for the same SKU from a different store, I wonder whether this will change.
And I’d have to think that their in-stock inventory will shrink because creditors (e.g.: wholesalers) would be skittish to provide WM with inventory while protected by chapter 11. They might not get paid.
Anybody else get any kind of communication from West on this?
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3510 Posts
Response Posted - 05/25/2026 :  20:42:57  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Received same letter....and I had similar thinking.
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
Edited by - OLarryR on 05/25/2026 20:44:57
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JB
Navigator

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USA
118 Posts
Response Posted - 05/28/2026 :  08:28:59  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
This is a shame. Our last West Marine store in North East Wisconsin has closed. WM has excellent customer service both online and in person. It doesn't make sense that companies with terrible customer service thrive and WM struggles.
1988 C25 Wing Keel Std Rig Tohatsu 9.9 Tiller Steering and 2003 C250 Wing Keel Std Rig Inboard Diesel Wheel Steering
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5475 Posts
Response Posted - 06/03/2026 :  06:40:34  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
JB - I’m hopeful that WM will weather the storm, unfortunately for many who have lost nearby stores, the online experience is not the same.. In our current economy, discretionary spending may continue to be impacted. We’ll see how it goes with WM.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4036 Posts
Response Posted - 06/16/2026 :  10:59:10  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Well it was on our local LI news today that the Port Washington LI store is closing. It is or was the store that was closest to me. Sad.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5475 Posts
Response Posted - 06/17/2026 :  19:42:16  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I did a quick search on keywords “west marine store closes” and MS Copilot responded:

West Marine is closing 59 stores nationwide as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring.
West Marine, a major retailer of boating, fishing, and marine supplies, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 17, 2026, citing financial challenges including supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, high debt, and shifts in consumer behavior.
As part of the restructuring, the company plans to close 59 stores across 23 states, while continuing operations in roughly 200 other locations.

Reasons for Closures
The closures are part of a strategic effort to:
Reduce debt and strengthen the company’s financial position
Rationalize the store footprint to align with current business needs
Optimize operations and focus on serving customers effectively.

Affected Locations
The store closures span multiple states, including:
•California: Antioch, Chula Vista, Monterey, Oceanside, Redding
•Florida: Bonita Springs, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville Beach, South Orlando, Palm Coast, Port Charlotte, Venice, Winter Haven
•New Jersey: Cape May, Eatontown, Toms River
•New York: Port Washington, Rochester, Watertown
•Michigan: Bay City, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Petoskey, St. Clair Shores, Troy
•Washington: Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Port Townsend, Spokane
Other states include Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin

Timeline and Sales
Bankruptcy court approved store closing sales on June 9, 2026
Liquidation sales are expected to continue through late September 2026
The company may announce additional closures as it continues to evaluate its store portfolio.

Customer and Employee Information
West Marine remains open at other locations and online
Gift cards, warranties, and reward programs will continue to be honored at remaining stores and online
Employees at closing stores will receive support during the transition.

West Marine’s restructuring aims to stabilize the company financially while maintaining service to boating and marine customers across the U.S.


So, this list of closures is expected to continue if they cannot stem the bleeding.
Think about yourself:
10 years ago if you needed something for your boat, you’d check your local West Marine or chandlery for the item. You’d just pay the price, almost no matter how dear.
Now, more often than not, you’ll check prices at online boating stores, then check Amzn.com or Wal-Mart.com for a better price. Electrical, plumbing, stoves, coolers, lines, and other items, the retailers can almost always offer a better price and fast delivery.
Change is hard.
Edited by - Voyager on 06/17/2026 19:48:20
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.