Camping World on the March!

[Ron J. Moore]

Last week I read where Camping World had acquired Overton's, a large seller of boating equipment..now this week I see where they are taking over Reines RV in VA. I ride by CW lots and see hundredsof RV's of every field; and I imagine CW is really loaded up across the country. I have heard few people say satisfactory things about their service. My thought provoker is what will happen to CW if there is a slump in the market?

[booster]

Originally Posted by Ron J. Moore

Last week I read where Camping World had acquired Overton's, a large seller of boating equipment..now this week I see where they are taking over Reines RV in VA. I ride by CW lots and see hundredsof RV's of every field; and I imagine CW is really loaded up across the country. I have heard few people say satisfactory things about their service. My thought provoker is what will happen to CW if there is a slump in the market?

Low cost acquisition for Hymer? The seem to like overextended low service companies.

Seriously, a lot of the inventory could be there on floor support programs from the manufacturers which could lessen the CW risk a lot. Of course, RV dealers have always been very likely to go under in tough times.

[eric1514]

Camping World bought one of medium sized RV dealers near me. Now they have 2 locations within 20 miles of each other.

One of the larger independent dealers is also building a huge dealership literally next door to CW's original location. Perhaps they are trying to put some room between themselves.

[Lightfoot]

Last year Camping World also bought out two locations near me--both were Tom Johnson, an independent RV dealer, in NC. They've integrated the names and are calling the stores "Tom Johnson Camping World." It's a little concerning because Tom Johnson has/had a good reputation. Hope they same quality continues under Camping World.

[Boxster1971]

Camping World also just acquired Gander Mountain....
Camping World Buys Out Gander Mountain | Outdoor Life

Motley Fool: Is Lemonis Aiming at Gun Industry? | RV Business

[mumkin]

Suggests that this company is either way overcharging and making too much money... and/or quickly getting over-extended and setting up for a major crash in case of a downturn in the economy. (one of the inevitabilities of life... and we are overdue for the next one)

[mkguitar]

when it comes down to it, camping world doesn;t cater to me.

The expertise and experience of the store staff leave me on my own

they seem to miss out on actually stocking in store common little things I might need for a fix

pricing is usually a little higher than elsewhere

so for stuff I don;t need right away- amazon is usually better for cost

for items where I need some help, a specialist mom and pop store might have the part and take the time to guide me- and for that I will pay

camping world seems to have positioned themselves where they are neither the least expensive or the best for help.

and the surviving stores do that, they either are cut price or specialty stores who stock, service and offer knowledge


Mike

[GeorgeRa]

Since Camping World IPO in October last year, they have more cash on hand so buying spree is happening. It is interesting for CEO Marcus Lemonis to say that he hates motorhomes while getting deeper into it. Camping World Holdings rises 3% after IPO

I am always amazed how large impact a CEO can make on a company; Sears’ Lampert, HP’s Fiorina, GM’s Barra https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...-gm/102484738/ or CW’s risky flamboyant Lemonis.

Time will tell about CW, but I am not optimistic. I often drive by a large RV dealership south of Portland OR on 99W and am amazed how these businesses can survive with these huge RV inventories on hand just sitting there, sometime I remember a specific RV siting there for months.

[Ron J. Moore]

Wow, it is ironic to see you mention the CEO as Marcus Lemonis. I have seen him in some form of Realty Show about getting involved in "businesses in trouble." I have long lasting memories of our first and only visit to CW; they could give a less of a damned if you are helped, their conversations were of more importance. We were really new to Rv'ing, but not stupid - never went back. I have heard from others that their problem is they hire Rv'ers that are passing through the area. I guess time and the economy will tell us about CW, but in the meantime, I have to agree with Mkguitar - Amazon is my favorite store. Ron

[JeanM]

At the risk of a more drama in my email inbox from Camping World or their reps from Hymer -

Just because a brand is everywhere doesn't mean the product is high quality or the service is responsive and intelligent. It just means their profit margin is wide enough to keep the business moving ahead.

I think it's wise to take Jim Hammill's comparison to Walmart and McDonald's at face value.