The Anchor's Weight: Boating Retailers Drowning in Consumer Caution The recent bankruptcy filing of West Marine, the largest US boating retailer, comes as no surprise given the shifting tides of consumer spending.
With 91 stores slated for closure, the company is the latest casualty of a market that's struggling to stay afloat.
One key factor contributing to the boating industry's vulnerability to economic fluctuations is its demographics.