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Call it brand extension if you want, but Camping World Holdings (NYSE: CWH) is branching far beyond its sales and service of RVs. The company recently made its fifth acquisition in the outdoor recreation market in just nine months, and it shows no signs of quitting, according to Fox Business.
Camping World is deepening its foray into the outdoors with purchases of what could generously be termed ancillary businesses that support its primary operations. While its RV business offers trip planning services and products related to the RV lifestyle, four of its acquisitions reside fully in the sporting goods camp and may be useful to those who live life on the road, sometimes for months at a time.
The spending spree included:
Assets of bankrupt sporting goods retailer Gander Mountain, which the company renamed Gander Outdoor.
TheHouse.com, an online retailer of outdoor gear, such as bikes, sailboards, skateboards, wakeboards, and snowboards.
Uncle Dan’s Outfitters, a specialty retailer of outdoor gear, apparel, and camping supplies.
W82, another specialty retailer of snowboarding, skateboarding, longboarding, apparel, and accessroies
Now, Camping World has kicked off 2018 with the purchase of Erehwon, a three-store Midwest chain that sells outdoor apparel. In a statement announcing the purchase, chairman Marcus Lemonis said, “The combination of these retailers and their e-commerce platforms provides Camping World Holding with a strong foundation in the outdoor lifestyle market from which to continue building and serving the outdoor enthusiast.”
