Florida boaters and anglers have been left out to dry as West Marine, the country’s largest boating and marine supplier, is closing eight stores across the state as part of 59 closures around the U.S. after the Fort Lauderdale-based chain filed for a “proactive” voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May to restructure.
However, it appears Pensacola fans of West Marine can catch their breath for now as the company does not list its Escambia County location at 5303 N. Davis Highway as part of the Florida closures.
The News Journal reached out to the Pensacola West Marine store and asked if it will remain open, to which a member responded, “Yes it is.” The company confirmed to the News Journal via email that only the stores listed in their filing would be closed, which does not include the Pensacola store.
In court documents, West Marine, 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.
Where does that leave West Marine customers in communities where they have closed? 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
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: West Marine in Pensacola to remain open as Florida preps for closures
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson and C. A. Bridges, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Benjamin Johnson and C. A. Bridges, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
