Camping World makes a new purchase

The largest U.S. chain dedicated to recreational vehicles is acquiring a new company.



Camping World Holdings announced that it will purchase TheHouse.com, an online retailer specializing in bikes, sailboards, skateboards, wakeboards, snowboards and outdoor gear. Both companies will maintain distinct brands, with Camping World focusing on the outdoor camping and RV industry, and TheHouse.com continuing to provide its offering to shoppers with active outdoor lifestyles.



The deal will benefit Camping World in the long-term, especially from a digital perspective. Besides complementing its existing offering available through the Camping World RV SuperCenter network, TheHouse.com positions its new parent company for faster e-commerce growth in the future by expanding customer reach and adding new product offerings.



“We believe this acquisition of TheHouse.com continues our focus of an omnichannel approach”, said Marcus Lemonis, chairman of Camping World. “The management team not only possesses a strong knowledge of the active sports market, but also has a keen eye for the development and invention of products.”



TheHouse.com also complements Camping World’s most recent investment. In May, the recreational retailer acquired the assets of Gander Mountain and boating division Overton's in a bankruptcy auction.



Through the deal, Lemonis said he plans to operate 57 locations — assuming details can be worked out with landlords and final acceptable leases agreed to. Liquidation sales started in May at all 160 Gander stores.



The plan for the locations that survived the cut is for them to reopen under the new brand of Gander Outdoors. The stores will feature a fresh mix of Gander Outdoors, Overton's and Camping World products and services.



“This vertical strategy [with TheHouse.com] not only provides for a nice bolt on to the company, but enhances the renewed strategy behind the new Gander Outdoors model,” Lemonis added.