Camping World is one among the biggest recreational vehicle retailers worldwide. 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. It also offers a full range of outdoor lifestyle products, including clothing for all ages and genders.
Over the years, the company has seen rapid growth. Camping World Holdings (NASDAQ: CWH) raised $251 Million in an initial public offerings (IPO) 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.
Since its debut, the company has hired two veteran retail executives to head up its omnichannel strategy. Elizabeth Garry, the former Walmart assistant Director of e-commerce and Jessica Wegner are the Ulta Beauty director for loyalty programs. Both are responsible for customer acquisition as well as retention.
Camping World has been a leader on the recreational vehicle market since its inception. Camping World offers both a variety of RV products and financing services to help customers get 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 variety of recreation-related merchandise, including fishing gear, books, entertainment items, and satellite receivers. It offers additional warranties to customers.
Camping World is now one of the most prominent recreational vehicle dealers in the United States. However, many customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the service they receive at their locations. Many customers walk into a dealership only to find that the technicians have not taken the time to answer their questions. Additionally, the company has a reputation of taking a long time to repair vehicles.
The company now offers more than just RV products. It also sells outdoor accessories and clothing for pets. The company also owns brands including Gander Outdoors (Overton), and The House Boardshop (The House Boardshop). The company's business model isn't changing much. 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. Crestview Partners, Inc., the parent company of Camping World Holdings, Inc., holds most of its shares.
The company was purchased in 1997 by Good Sam Enterprises. It later merged with FreedomRoads, which was founded by Marcus Lemonis. Camping World was faced with a severe infrastructure crisis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant rise in the number of customers Camping World served. This led to infrastructure issues.
Camping World has partnered not only with sports organizations but also with major league baseball companies like ESPN. With multi-million-dollar sponsorships, it has a strong brand presence within these industries.