CEO Provides Financial Aid for Camping World Employees

Marcus Lemonis, company chairman and CEO of Camping World Holdings—which acquired firearm retailer Gander Mountain in 2017—has announced plans to provide financial assistance to staff experiencing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the sales of 500,000 shares of class A common stock that he beneficially owns at a future date, applicable with security laws, he will contribute the proceeds to a fund dedicated to employee relief.

“Camping World is the most important part of my life and the Camping World team, many of which have been with the company for years are the reason why,” said Lemonis, who has not taken any form of compensation in his role as Chairman and CEO since 2016. “The associates are what make this company what it is and while they are not asking for a handout, I will do everything I can to protect their personal and financial well-being. They have always taken care of the customer, taken care of each other and taken care of me. We are in unprecedented times and we are all making sacrifices, but it is important for us all to do more and I’m reaching into my pocket to protect the team.”

When Camping World Holding originally acquired Gander Mountain’s inventory and outlets, it identified those stores in potentially viable areas and kept them open. Today they’ve been rebranded as Gander RV & Outdoors. While some other big-box stores have discontinued firearms, ammunition and gun supplies, they are available at the company’s more than 50 outlets and on its website. Each location offers a wide variety of equipment for other outdoor pursuits as well.

Camping World Holdings was established in 1996 and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, and operates the world’s largest chain of RV/trailer outlets. It’s also the parent company of the Good Sam Club, which has iconic status in the industry.