Tag Archives: recreational vehicles

Camping World IPO Raises $250 Million

Ford E-Series RV photographed in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Photo courtesy of Bull-Doser
Ford E-Series RV photographed in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Photo courtesy of Bull-Doser

Benefiting from the aging baby boomers and now-retiring generation Xers, Camping World, the biggest recreational vehicle retailer in the US, has been growing, and is a profitable venture.

Based in Lincolnshire in the Chicago area, Camping World Holdings is run by Marcus Lemonis, a CNBC reality TV show entrepreneur. The company just went public, raising about $250 million in an initial public offering of its stock, mostly to pay off debt.

Now that the baby boomers and generation Xers are either downsizing or wondering what to do with their considerable disposable income, Camping World is an answer for many. Since 2011 the firm opened 13 new locations as well as taking possession of over 30 other locations and integrating them into their company universe.

Just last year the company had revenue amounting to $3.3 billion, over double what they brought in in 2011. Sales at locations that have been open for a year or longer showed an increase of about 13 percent.

Camping World’s corporate and dealership headquarters is in Lincolnshire, in 26,000 square feet of space, with a lease expiring in 2024.