Camping World launches brand-specific dealership format
Camping World Holdings Inc. is rolling out the first wave of a new store model dedicated to leading RV industry brands.
America’s largest retailer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and related products and services is introducing a new dealership format that dedicates select individual dealerships exclusively to selling, servicing, and showcasing a specific RV brand’s products. Each store will feature a tailored, brand-specific customer experience and specialized staff training.
The recent opening of a Jayco-focused Camping World store in Morgan Hill, Calif. marks the debut of this format. The new store format is designed to both complement and operate in parallel with the existing traditional Camping World branded footprint. The company intends to open, acquire, or convert manufacturer exclusive locations across its network.
In addition to the manufacturer-specific brands, these locations will offer used RVs, service, and the entire portfolio of Good Sam products and services.
Camping World plans to open exclusively branded dealerships with various manufacturers in the following markets as part of its first wave:
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Macon, GA
- Northern Michigan
- La Mirada, CA
- Redding, CA
- St. George, UT
- Green Bay, WI
- Lakeville, MN
- Little Rock, AR
“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,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World.
“We believe this strategy widens the acquisition funnel to include dealers with a smaller real estate format or those located near an established Camping World dealership where we have access to a multitude of brands that compete in the same segment.,” said Matt Wagner, COO of Camping World.
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 by 2024. The company continues to search for new store locations in key markets.
In May 2022, Camping World acquired 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.
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.