Crystal-Pierz Marine is taking several necessary steps to keep itself viable in the struggling marine market. The company plans to close roughly 60 percent of its stores and lay off about 100 employees. Stores in Lake Shore and on Highway 371 north of Brainerd will stay open.
"The market is serving us some of the toughest challenges ever. We're making the decisions necessary to assure a successful business in this newly defined marine landscape while also being able to meet our number one goal of serving our customers," said Luke Kujawa, Crystal-Pierz Marine president.
Kujawa said the company plans to close stores in Rogers, Forest Lake, St. Cloud, Duluth, Lake Mille Lacs (seasonal location) and Clear Lake, IA. In order to prepare for the store closing, Crystal-Pierz Marine will hold an unprecedented, once in a generation sale to liquidate more than 700 boats.
"We're offering financing options and asking folks to make us an offer. We need to move these boats, parts and accessories and hoping customers will take advantage of the opportunity," Kujawa said.
