Camping World is the world's largest retailer of recreational vehicles. The company has more than 180 retail and service locations throughout 46 states. It sells RVs and travel trailers as well as fifth wheels and accessories. The company also sells a wide range of outdoor lifestyle products including clothing for all ages.
Over the last few years, the company has experienced rapid growth. Camping World Holdings was able to raise $251 million through an initial public offering in 2016. It plans to aggressively expand its national footprint by acquiring locations in key markets, re-branding its products as Gander Outdoors, and investing in its dealer network.
The company's omnichannel strategy has been led by two retail veterans since its launch. Elizabeth Garry is the former Walmart assistant director for e-commerce. Jessica Wegner is the Ulta beauty director of loyalty programmes. Both are responsible for customer acquisition as well as retention.
Camping World is a market leader in recreational vehicles for decades. Today, it combines a large array of RV products with services, such as financing, to drive consumers into its stores. The company sells RVs as well as accessories from Winnebago (Keystone, Fleetwood and Forest River), among others. It also offers a wide range of recreation-related merchandise such as fishing gear, books and entertainment items. Customers are also encouraged to buy additional warranties.
Camping World has grown to be one of America's largest recreational vehicle dealers. But many people have complained about the quality service provided at its locations. Many customers walk into a dealership only to find that the technicians have not taken the time to answer their questions. In addition, the company has a reputation for having long repair times.
The company's offerings now go beyond RVs and include clothing, accessories, and bedding for outdoor living. It also owns brands such as Overton, Gander Outdoors, and The House Boardshop. However, the company's business model hasn't changed much. The CEO has made politically charged remarks, and the company is being criticized for its large dealership areas and high price.
Camping World is a large company with a complicated corporate structure. It has a variety of owners and shareholders, most of which have a significant stake in the company. Crestview Partners, Inc., a major institutional investor, has most of its shares.
Good Sam Enterprises purchased the company in 1997. It later merged to FreedomRoads. FreedomRoads was founded in 1997 by Marcus Lemonis. Camping World was faced with a severe infrastructure crisis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in customers the company was serving caused by the pandemic led to serious infrastructure problems.
Camping World has also partnered closely with companies like ESPN and Major League Baseball, in addition its relationships with these sports entities. It has strong brand recognition in these sectors, with multimillion-dollar sponsorships.