Guilford-based retailer Denali, known for its outdoor clothing and gear, announced Tuesday it will be closing all of its stores.
The company issued an email announcement to customers and also put the news on its website.
“After 25 years in business, it is with a heavy heart that we relay the news that Denali will be closing its doors for good,” the announcement said. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but after months of trying we sadly could not find a responsible path forward.”
The business launched in the early 1990s as Trailblazer in New Haven. It later expanded to include seven stores in two states, including in Branford, Trumbull, Old Saybrook and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut as well as in Wakefield and Providence, R.I.
The abrupt closing of the chain’s Branford and Trumbull Mall locations made headlines in June.
Company officials indicated in the announcement that Denali is immediately having a store closing sale at its Old Saybrook location. Between now and when the chain closes for good, customers may redeem gift cards at the Old Saybrook location only.
The announcement also thanked the stores’ customers and employees for their loyalty and support.
“It was the day to day interaction with you that made this journey worthwhile,” the announcement said.
Employees at the Old Saybrook store deferred comment to Denali’s Guilford headquarters. Messages left for company management were not immediately returned.
The announcement also referenced the non-profit Denali Foundation, which aims to get children and families outdoors and protect access to green spaces, according to its website. The foundation has regularly hosted the “Run the Gauntlet” obstacle race in May and October in New Haven. It was unclear this week what impact the store closures would have on the non-profit organization.
“It was an honor to serve our local outdoor and athletic communities as well as to support local environmental and youth organizations with the Denali Foundation,” the announcement said. “We are very proud of what we accomplished and we hope we provided our communities with lasting memories and inspiration.”
Mohegan Sun President and General Manager Ray Pineault issued a statement indicating he is aware of the notice Denali sent to its customers.
“We are in contact with the owners to get a complete understanding of their statement and its impact on our store at Mohegan Sun,” he said. “As we get more information we will provide an update.”
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com
