Boater’s World shutting down 130 stores

The troubled economy has been especially hard on the boating industry. Boater’s World announced Tuesday that all 130 of its stores in the US are shutting down.

There are two Boater’s World locations in our area, one in Wilmington and one in Southport. Both stores are having liquidation sales. Many customers are sad to see the stores go.

Longtime customer, Jeff Williamson said, “I have been shopping at Boater’s World basically since it opened. I am in the charter business so it’s one of my favorite places to shop.”

Boater’s World is owned by Ritz Interactive, the same company that owns Ritz Camera Stores. Ritz filed for bankruptcy protection last month.