Camping World is one among the biggest recreational vehicle retailers worldwide. The company owns over 180 retail and service outlets in 46 states. It sells travel trailers, fifth-wheels, RVs, and other accessories. It also offers a complete range of outdoor lifestyle products, including clothing and footwear for all ages.
Over the past several years, the company's growth has been rapid. In 2016, Camping World Holdings raised $251 million in an initial public offering (IPO). It plans to aggressively increase its national footprint by buying locations in key markets and rebranding their products as Gander Outdoors.
Two retail veterans have been appointed by the company as its chief executives for its omnichannel strategy. Elizabeth Garry, a former Walmart assistant director in ecommerce, is joined by Jessica Wegner, Ulta Beauty director in loyalty programs. They are responsible for customer retention and acquisition.
Camping World has been a leader within the recreational vehicle sector 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, accessories, and other products from companies like Winnebago Keystone Fleetwood, Fleetwood, Forest River, Fleetwood, and Keystone. It also offers a wide range of recreation-related merchandise such as fishing gear, books and entertainment items. It offers additional warranties to customers.
Although Camping World has become one of the largest recreational vehicle dealers in the country, many consumers have complained about the quality of service offered at its locations. Many times, customers will go to a dealer only to be told that the technician did not spend enough time answering their questions. Additionally, the company has a reputation of taking a long time to repair vehicles.
The company's offerings now go beyond RVs and include clothing, accessories, and bedding for outdoor living. The company is also the owner of brands such as Overton and Gander Outdoors. The company's business model has not changed. The CEO has made politically-charged comments, and the company has been criticized for its large dealership lots and high prices.
Camping World, a large company, has a complicated corporate structure. There are many shareholders and owners who have significant stakes in the company. In fact, most of its shares are owned by major institutional investors, such as Crestview Partners, which is the parent company of Camping World Holdings, Inc.
Good Sam Enterprises acquired the company in 1997. Later, it merged with FreedomRoads which was founded Marcus Lemonis. Camping World was confronted with serious infrastructure problems after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Due to the increase in customer volume, the company faced serious infrastructure issues.
Camping World has partnered not only with sports organizations but also with major league baseball companies like ESPN. It is a well-known brand with sponsorships worth millions of dollars.