Gander Mountain declares bankruptcy, plans to close 32 stores to start

Credit: Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Credit: Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Outdoor specialty store chain Gander Mountain followed the lead of other sporting goods retailers in recent months and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Friday.

The Minnesota-based retailer, which specializes in hunting, fishing and camping equipment, said in a press release that it will close 32 "under-performing retail locations" out of its 162 stores over the next few weeks.

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“Like many retailers, Gander Mountain experienced challenging traffic patterns and shifts in consumer demand from … (the) accelerated growth of e-commerce,” the company said.

Pro Bass Shops is buying Cabela's, Eastern Outfitters filed for bankruptcy last week and Sports Authority declared bankruptcy last year and closed 300 stores, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Online stores like Amazon are driving brick and mortar retailers out of business as more and more Americans shop online.

Gander Mountain is the nation’s largest chain of outdoor specialty stores.

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