NEWS RELEASES
Camping World Reverses Course, Sells Outdoor Retailers
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved through Crain's Chicago Business' website.
JONESBORO, ARK. - Chicago Business reports that two outdoor retail chains, Rock/Creek Outfitters and Uncle Dan’s Outdoor Stores, which were bought by Camping World in 2017 and 2018, are now being sold to Arkansas-based outdoor retailer Gearhead Outfitters. Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis pursued an aggressive acquisition plan, buying some of the bankrupt Gander Mountain stores as well as Erehwon Mountain Outfitter, Uncle Dan’s Outdoor and Rock/Creek Outfitters. Now however Camping World appears to have changed course, although the company did not respond to the paper’s request for a comment.
Uncle Dan’s, founded in 1972, currently has five Chicago-area locations. Rock/Creek Outfitters, founded in 1987, operates seven retail locations in Tennessee. Founded in 1997, Gearhead Outfitters currently has 10 retail locations across the Midsouth. In a company statement, Ted Herget, owner and founder of Gearhead Outfitters, said the three outfitters share similar core values and are committed to being a dedicated community partner, supporting local nonprofits and improving outdoor access. “The opportunity to acquire Rock/Creek and Uncle Dan’s has provided a unique opportunity for all three brands to align under those values as a family of outdoor specialty retailers,” Herget said. “Our highest priority is to maintain the integrity of these companies, the brands we carry, and to expand the influence of the outdoor industry.”
Find out more on the Gearhead Outfitters website.