Leslie's Pool Supplies has closed 76 stores nationwide after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 30.
The Phoenix-based retailer is seeking to reduce debt and restructure its business, with 26 of the closures in California.
Court filings and company announcements cited by SFGATE show the California closures include 13 stores in Southern California, five in the Central Valley and eight in the Bay Area.
Debt Reduction and Restructuring Agreement
Leslie's said its restructuring agreement with more than 80% of its existing lenders is designed to eliminate about $685 million, or 90%, of its funded debt.
The company expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in early 2027.
The company described the agreement as a "Restructuring Support Agreement" and said it would provide about $150 million in new capital, according to its Sept.
30 announcement.
CEO Jason McDonell said the filing represented a key step in the company's effort to stabilize its finances.
"Today's announcement marks an important milestone in our commitment to our customers and our business," McDonell said.
McDonell said the company plans to use improved financial flexibility to invest in its retail and online operations.
"With a stronger balance sheet and greater financial flexibility, Leslie's can reinvest across the business to strengthen operating execution and deliver an even better experience for our customers, both in-store and online.
Leslie's is here to stay, and I am deeply grateful to our employees, customers, and partners for their continued support as we work to position Leslie's for a strong future," McDonell said.
The company said it remains fully operational during the bankruptcy process, with remaining stores and digital operations continuing to serve customers.
"It remains fully operational and committed to serving customers without interruption, including through its physical stores and digital platforms," Leslie's said.
The restructuring includes $90 million in debtor-in-possession financing and a $60 million equity financing, according to the company.
Leslie's also sought approval for a fully committed $225 million debtor-in-possession asset-based financing facility from existing ABL lenders.
California closures include stores in Cerritos, Palm Desert, Chatsworth, Concord, Davis, Diamond Bar, Encinitas, Fremont, Fresno, Granada Hills, La Crescenta, Lake Forest, Los Banos, Mountain View, Novato, Paso Robles, Pittsburg, Ramona, San Diego's Mira Mesa area, San Jose, San Ramon, Santa Barbara, Selma, Tulare, Tustin and Walnut Creek, according to court documents cited by Patch.
Two locations, Cerritos and Palm Desert, were scheduled to close Sept. 30, while dates for the other 24 California closures were not specified.
Leslie's said gift cards and loyalty program benefits will continue to be honored during the restructuring.
Remaining stores will stay open as the company reviews its real estate portfolio.
Financial pressure preceded the filing.
For the nine months ending July 4, 2026, Leslie's reported $790 million in sales, down 7.3% from nearly $853 million a year earlier, while its net loss widened to $87.7 million from $74.2 million.
The company withdrew its full-year financial guidance in July, citing "macroeconomic softness and the uncertainty around the company's ability to continue to drive consumer behavior," according to the Orange County Register.
Leslie's reported $722.2 million in assets and about $1.2 billion in liabilities when it sought Chapter 11 protection in the U.
S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
The retailer had reached about 1,000 stores across 37 states by 2023, according to the Los Angeles Times.
It closed 80 underperforming stores and a distribution center in late 2025 and early 2026.
Founded by Phil Leslie Jr. in North Hollywood in 1963, Leslie's expanded from its Southern California roots into a national pool and spa supply chain.
The company now operates more than 900 stores across 38 states, according to company and court information.
