On Saturday, April 16, Sport Chalet announced that they are closing their doors and began going-out-of-business sales at their 47 stores. They have also stopped all of their online sales, effective immediately.
Sport Chalet currently has 40 store locations in California, five stores in Arizona and two in Las Vegas. In their announcement, the store said they will remain open for “several weeks”, with no formal closing date posted. During this time, they will continue to honor gift cards and loyalty rewards through April 29.
The chain currently has 2,800 full and part-time employees. Store employees were reportedly notified at the end of their regular shifts, while scuba employees found out with the announcement to the general public.
“We’re closing. Thank you for 57 great years,” Sport Chalet told customers in an email message.
Sport Chalet elebrated its arrival into Downtown Los Angeles on July 11, 2013.
Sport Chalet has been one the largest scuba retailers in North America. The chain will remain open for several weeks while merchandise is cleared out, Sport Chalet said on its website. They are also selling the inventory in their stores, with signs in the windows stating “Everything must go,” and “All Sales are Final – No Returns.” They are also requesting that customers pick up any equipment left in one of their stores for repair no later than April 29th.
At the Sport Chalet in downtown Los Angeles, the signs in windows of the black-and-white facade told of the chain’s fate. “Everything must go,” they stated. “All Sales are Final No Returns.” Big bargains aren’t too be found yet, however. At the Sports Chalet store in Point Loma, they are offering 10% off storewide.
An offer for 50% off scuba classes was posted on April 14.
Sport Chalet posted a scuba diving instruction special through Twitter on Thursday, April 14, offering 50% off open water and advanced open water scuba courses. Those who have paid for scuba classes or made deposits should request a refund before April 29.
Sport Chalet last reported a profit in 2007, and has continued to lose money since then. They had more than $52 million in debt when Vestis (which owns two other sporting-goods chains concentrated in the eastern U.S.) bought it for $17 million.
Vestis operates Bob’s Stores on the East Coast. Customers will be allowed to use Sport Chalet gift cards and rewards on Bob’s Sporting Goods e-commerce sites, Vestis said.
With the impending closure, there may be some bargains out there. You can click here to find your nearest Sport Chalet store.