Report: Another sporting goods retailer eyes Chapter 11

These are tough times for outdoor/sporting goods retailers.



Gander Mountain is reportedly considering filing Chapter11 bankruptcy protection, according to Reuters.



Founded in 1960, Gander Mountain specializes in fishing, camping and hunting gear and accessories, and bills itself as “America’s firearms superstore.”



The retailer operates 160 stores in 27 states, including several that opened in 2016 in Pennsylvania, Colorado and Texas. It has opened more than 50 locations in the last five years.



Gander Mountain was taken private in 2010 by Gratco, a holding company controlled by Gander Chairman and CEP David Pratt, and Holiday Stationstores, a gas-station retail operation.



Increased competition from online and such rivals as Bass Pro Shops and Dick’s Sporting Goods has made for some tough going in the sporting goods sector. The parent company of Eastern Mountain Sports, filed for Chapter 11 just last week. Sports Authority declared bankruptcy and closed 300 stores last year. Sport Chalet also went out of business last year.