Marine Supply Retailer Trimming Its Connecticut Roster In Half Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings

CONNECTICUT — A retail staple in the Connecticut marine community is closing half its state roster of stores.

Marine products supplier West Marine plans to close 91 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, including three in Connecticut, as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring plan.

The Ft. Lauderdale, FLA-based company will close stores in Branford, Mystic and Norwalk.

That leaves stores in Stamford, Old Saybrook and Stratford to stay open.

"Crew" members answering the phone at the doomed stores said no closing date has been announced, but acknowledged the shuttering plan.

On May 17, West Marine entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement with the support of its key financial stakeholders.

In announcing the restructuring, CEO Paulee Day said in filings that the bankruptcy process would allow the company to streamline its operations while continuing to serve customers.

"West Marine remains committed to serving boaters throughout this process," the company said. The retailer said the restructuring is intended to strengthen its financial position and better align its store footprint with customer demand.

In all, court filings have expanded the closure list. The plans to close 91 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico represent a revised figure from initially announced plans to close 59 stores.

West Marine operates more than 200 stores in 34 states.

The company once had a huge presence along Long Island Sound. About 15 years ago, West Marine operated eight Connecticut stores.