Camping World is one among the biggest recreational vehicle retailers worldwide. It has over 180 locations in 46 states that sell RVs, travel trailers and fifth wheels. It also stocks a variety of outdoor lifestyle products for all ages, including clothing.
The company has grown quickly over the past few years. Camping World Holdings (NASDAQ: CWH) raised $251 Million in an initial public offerings (IPO) in 2016. It plans on aggressively expanding its national footprint through acquisitions of key markets, rebranding Gander Outdoors products, and investing into its dealer network.
Two veteran retail executives have been hired by the company to oversee its omnichannel strategy. Elizabeth Garry is the former Walmart assistant director for e-commerce. Jessica Wegner is the Ulta beauty director of loyalty programmes. Both are charged with overseeing customer acquisition and retention.
Camping World has been a leader within the recreational vehicle sector for decades. It offers a wide range of RV products and services such as financing to attract customers 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 variety of recreation-related merchandise, including fishing gear, books, entertainment items, and satellite receivers. It offers additional warranties to customers.
Camping World has been a major dealer in recreational vehicles, but many have complained about the level of customer service. Many times, a customer will walk into a dealership, only to find that a technician has not spent a lot of time answering their questions. A company's reputation is for slow repair times.
The company offers a wide range of outdoor products beyond RVs, such as clothing and accessories for pets, as well as bedding. 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 is a large company with a complicated corporate structure. There are many shareholders and owners who have significant stakes in the company. Crestview Partners, Inc., is one of the largest institutional investors in Camping World Holdings, Inc.
Good Sam Enterprises acquired the company in 1997. Later, it merged with FreedomRoads which was founded Marcus Lemonis. Camping World had to deal with an infrastructure crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased number of customers that Camping World was serving led to significant infrastructure issues.
Camping World has also partnered up with companies such MLB and ESPN. It has strong brand recognition in these sectors, with multimillion-dollar sponsorships.