Florida boaters and anglers have been left adrift with the news that West Marine, the country’s largest boating and marine supplier, is closing eight stores across the state as part of 59 closures around the country. The Fort Lauderdale-based chain filed for a “proactive” voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May to restructure.
Soon after the news broke, Google searches for “Bass Pro Shops” spiked, suggesting that customers are casting for a new supplier.
In court documents, the company, which sells a wide variety of boating, fishing, and marine supplies and apparel, listed more than 100,000 creditors, between $500 million and $1 billion in assets, and between $500 million and $1 billion in liabilities.
Shop Bass Pro Shops for fishing gear
“West Marine is closing select retail locations as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring,” the company confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY on June 15. “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.”
Where does that leave West Marine customers? Here’s what to know about sales, returns, closing dates, reward points, and more.
Which West Marine stores in Florida are closing?
When are Florida’s West Marine stores closing?
No closing dates have been announced.
Will West Marine have liquidation sales at its closing locations?
The West Marine website says that closing stores will have sales on their merchandise.
The company’s Spokane store has already started one, according to a recent Instagram post, which it says should run through August or September.
What about gift cards? Refunds? Pending orders? Warranties?
West Marine has this to say about what to expect:
What about my West Advantage Rewards membership?
Membership, rewards, and benefits from the chain’s loyalty program will not change and can be used at closing stores, other locations, and online, West Marine said. Items bought at closing stores will still earn points.
Eligible Gold Members will continue to receive BoatU.S. benefits, West Marine said.
Is West Marine still open in Florida?
“Still here. Still on the water. Still your crew,” West Marine said on its store closing webpage.
Including the eight closing, West Marine currently lists 54 locations in Florida, part of the chain’s approximately 200 retail locations across 34 states and Puerto Rico. You can see the list at westmarine.com/view-all-stores.html
Where’s the closest Bass Pro Shop to me?
As of June 2026, there are 14 Bass Pro Shops in Florida. You can see the list here.
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Marine closing Florida stores. Info on sales, refunds, rewards
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
