Fear & Loading: Gander Mountain Liquidating All Stock

by
posted on May 10, 2017
gander.jpg

Camping World Holdings—the nation’s largest RV dealer—was the winning bidder for Gander Mountain last week in bankruptcy proceedings. The winning bid was roughly $390 million, according to Reuters, although a BusinessWire press release indicates it was tenfold less at roughly $38 million.

Early details on the agreement’s impact on stores are equally conflicting. Reuters reported 17 of the 126 locations will remain open, with at least 100 of the store leases auctioned at a later date. The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer’s subsequent story indicates more than 70 of the retail outlets could avoid closure, including one in the publication’s namesake city. 

Gander Mountain, which bills itself as “America’s Firearm Superstore,” has a history of financial challenges throughout its 57-year history, although it appears the company name will once again survive this latest setback. The company website confirms liquidation of all stock, and 10 to 20 percent was marked off select merchandise in a North Carolina store visited this week.

Overtons, a boating business, and all of Gander’s intellectual property, also go to Camping World as part of the deal. The latter firm has 120 RV centers across America and its initial public offering last fall raised $251 million.

“Camping World’s plan is to immediately right size the inventory and operate only in retail locations with occupancy costs that we believe support profitable operations, with an extreme focus on corporate overhead and expenses, consistent with our other operating segments,” said Brent Moody, chief operating officer of Camping World.  

“The Gander Mountain and Overton customer and their affinity to the outdoor lifestyle are the perfect complement to our Camping World business,” Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World, said. “The structure of our deal provides much flexibility and will not only allow us to refine the inventory selection and select only those stores which are profitable or we believe have a clear path to profitability, but will also allow us to immediately offer our comprehensive portfolio of services, protection plans, products and resources to the existing Gander Mountain and Overton customer base and in stores in which we elect to operate. While we are obligated to assume a minimum of seventeen leases, our designation rights will allow us to operate stores and retain employees at a number to maximize profitability.”

Latest

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.