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Camping World is keeping true to its rapid expansion plans to open at least twenty new stores by 2024, and is looking to increase its store count by 50 percent over the next five years. The well-known recreational vehicle mega-retailer is moving aggressively to grow its national footprint, is commitment to new builds, and based on a rudimentary news search seems to be acquiring RV dealers at almost a weekly clip in summer 2023.
The RV giant is seeking out key markets across the country that include San Martin, California; Kansas City, Kansas; Sunbury, Ohio; Mesquite, Texas; and Hurricane, West Virginia, among countless others. The chain currently owns and operates nearly 200 SuperCenters nationwide (including its Good Sam membership products and services), but at their growth pace, those numbers are probably old news as soon as they’re reported.
Acquisitions have also played a major role in Camping World’s market dominance. The 2022 acquisition of Richardson’s RV Centers was the largest deal in the company’s history and included eight locations in Indiana and California.
That’s not the only acquisition that’s made headlines. The April 2023 purchase of Bend, the Oregon-based All Seasons RV, strengthened Camping World’s Oregon presence to six total locations and put the company within reach of hitting 200 dealerships in the very near future.
In concert with the expansion, Camping World has also announced significant investments in its dealer network and brand-specific dealership format. In June 2023, the company rolled out its first iteration of a store model dedicated to specific RV brands, creating a brand-specific and tailored customer experience in the process.
The Morgan Hill, California, location features a store built around RV company Jayco, highlighting its products and services. California isn’t alone, however, with more brand-specific stores opening in Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan, Utah, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Arkansas.
“We believe our growth can be accelerated by acquiring or opening dealerships that will ultimately be focused exclusively on the leading RV brands in America,” Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World, told Chain Store Age.
The rapid influx of growth is on the plate of Director of Construction and Field Operations Casey Smith, who is overseeing greenfield builds, remodels, and maintenance for Camping World’s growing portfolio. Smith’s team keeps pace with company goals by drafting standards and consistency in its prototyping and developing strategic standards that aid quick implementation.
Smith came to Camping World in a construction and facilities project manager role before being promoted twice to his current role. The director’s outdoor retail experience runs deep, having spent nearly sixteen years at Gander Outdoors.
Lemonis told RVBusiness that his company’s acquisitional appetite remains despite a tough time for others in the industry.
“The industry’s moving ahead,” the CEO explained. “I think this industry has seen over many decades that it has its peaks and so-called valleys. But the industry in my opinion has never been stronger—ever. Yes, is there a little moment in time when it’s a little softer than everybody wants? Sure. But peoples’ love for RVs and the number of new people coming to the RV industry is unbelievable.”
Roof Options Group is excited to partner with Camping World. Casey Smith’s leadership has been instrumental in working through the logistics of the partnership between the two groups. We are working diligently with Casey’s team ensuring Camping World’s roofs are environmentally safe and secure for the future. Roof Options Group provides solutions allowing for longevity on an aging roof, while significantly reducing the carbon footprint and costs of repairing your roof system.
