Camping World acquires RV dealer
Camping World Holdings Inc. is strengthening its position in California.
America’s largest retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and related products and services has reached an agreement to acquire Richardson’s RV Centers. The Richardson’s RV Centers acquisition is the largest acquisition in company history. The agreement covers eight locations in California and Indiana, including five current dealership locations, one future dealership location, and two parts and service centers.
The California locations will transition to the Camping World brand and bring the company’s current count to 12 RV dealerships and five parts and service centers in the state, with a future RV dealership coming soon. The Indiana location will convert to the company’s RVs.com brand and provide a digital and factory direct commerce touchpoint for customers nationwide.
The SuperCenters will offer a range of new and used RVs from top manufacturers in addition to a full assortment of RV and outdoor products and accessories and the entire portfolio of Good Sam products and services.
Camping World pursues multiple growth avenues
Camping World is growing through acquisition as it also plans to aggressively expand its national footprint through the opening of 20 or more new greenfield locations over the next three calendar years. The company continues to search for new store 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 says 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.
Camping World is embarking on this aggressive expansion strategy following the April 2021 of two veteran retail executives to positions focused on growing its omnichannel business. At that time, 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.
“The Richardson’s top-notch management along with their solid team members are the primary reason we sought this deal,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO and Chairman of Camping World Holdings. “We know the Richardson’s RV Centers add immediate value for our customers, as an iconic family brand that has been providing exceptional service to RVers for over 30 years.”
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 locations in 42 states.