Eye on Retail: Camping World's expansion
Camping World Holdings Inc. plans to aggressively expand its national footprint through the opening of 20 or more new greenfield locations over the next three calendar years, in addition to acquisitions.
America’s largest retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and related products and services continues to search for locations in key markets. Sites in progress include San Martin, Calif; Georgetown, Del; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Kansas City, Kan.; Birch Run, Chesterfield, and Lansing, Mich.; Branson and Cape Girardeau, Mo; Madison (Cleveland market) and Sunbury (Columbus market), Ohio; Billings, Mont; Lincoln, Neb.; Mesquite, Texas; St. Albans, Vt.; Green Bay and Oshkosh, Wisc.; Hurricane, W.V.; and Cheyenne, Wy.
Camping World Holdings currently owns and operates over 185 SuperCenters nationwide, with most locations specializing in RV sales and service, RV parts and accessories, outdoor lifestyle products, and its entire portfolio of Good Sam membership products and services.
As part of the company’s growth strategy, it is making major investments in the quality and expansion of its dealer network. From new strategic acquisitions, new store development, increases in service capacity and facility upgrades and expansions, the company plans to continue to expand and evolve its network.
"In addition to delivering what we consider to be market leading dividends and executing our board authorized share repurchase program, we remain primarily focused on growing our Good Sam business, the company’s footprint, revenue and earnings as we drive to our internal goal of one billion dollars of adjusted EBITDA,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman of Camping World. “The openings of these new greenfield locations are over and above any strategic and opportunistic acquisitions and should add an additional 350 to 450 service bays to our existing service network, grow our Good Sam customer database and expand the market for our portfolio of Good Sam products and services.”
Camping World is embarking on its aggressive store expansion strategy following the recent appointment of two veteran retail executives to positions focused on growing its omnichannel business. In April 2021, the company appointed Walmart assistant director of e-commerce Elizabeth Garry as VP, e-commerce; and Ulta Beauty director of loyalty programs Jessica Wegner as VP, customer loyalty and membership.
Garry’s focus will be on Camping World’s digital retail strategic evolution, while creating a cohesive customer in-store and online experience to support omnichannel growth. Wegner will oversee customer acquisition and retention for the company, including the growth and development of the 2.1 million Good Sam Membership business, the company’s most active and profitable customer segment.
Founded in 1966, Camping World Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill. and combines an assortment of RV products and services with a national network of RV dealerships, service centers and customer support centers, along with an online presence. The company currently operates over 185 Camping World and sister company Gander RV & Outdoors locations in 40 states.
[This article was originally published on chainstoreage.com]