MC Sports to shutter all stores

Sporting-goods store MC Sports is closing its stores nationwide – including locations in Springfield and Branson. 

In total, the Michigan-based company will shutter five stores in Missouri and 68 across seven states as part of a Valentine’s Day Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. MC Sports reported a net loss of $5.4 million last year.

In response to increased competition in recent years, parent company Michigan Sporting Goods Distributors Inc. has systematically moved to larger format stores that combine hunting, fishing and outdoor categories with traditional sports gear, footwear and apparel. In addition, it has worked to shed poor performing locations as lease opportunities became available, according to a news release. 

Despite its efforts, the company said liquidation sales are necessary. A splash page at MCSports.com currently reads, “Going out of business sale – $110 million in inventory must be sold.”

According to the release, the company recently retained independent advisory firm Stout Risius Ross Advisors LLC to lead its exploration of “alternative options.”

“After a valiant and concerted effort by MC Sports' associates, vendors, landlords and outside professionals to restructure the company’s balance sheet and operating performance, the company was unable to reach an agreement on a viable out-of-court proposal,” MC Sports President and CEO Bruce Ullery said in the release.

MC Sports – which stands for “my community” – employs roughly 1,300 nationwide. It was founded in 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.