WEST FARGO - Outlet Recreation’s recreational vehicle business here will soon be under new ownership.
The new and used motorhome, fifth-wheel and travel-trailer side of the business at 2249 E. Main Ave. is being purchased by Camping World, a major player in RV sales across the U.S.
The purchase agreement, expected to be finalized in December, was announced Monday, Nov. 16, by Camping World.
“They approached us and were intent to move into the Fargo market. They made us a really fair offer. It was the best way to continue the store,” said Mike Larson, who co-owns Outlet Recreation with Jim Glenn. “We think that they’re obviously a reputable chain … and seem like good people.”
The deal only involves the recreational vehicle side of the West Fargo store, Larson said.
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“We can still have the boat business in Fargo,” he said.
Camping World was intent on opening a store in North Dakota. If a deal hadn’t been struck and Camping World had opened another store, “they would have taken a lot of business,” Larson said.
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A North Dakota store will give Camping World outlets in 38 states with more than 160 SuperCenters. The company is focusing on having outlets in the 48 contiguous states by the end of 2021, it said in a press release.
Camping World will talk with Outlet Recreation employees about whether they wish to work under the new ownership, he said.
Outlet Recreation also has three Minnesota stores selling RVs and boats in Detroit Lakes, Clearwater and Crosslake, Larson said.
“We plan to still service a lot of our customers through our Detroit Lakes store. We don’t plan on going away,” Larson said.
Camping World Holdings is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill.
Camping World claims the title of the nation’s largest network of RV and outdoor lifestyle-centric locations
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“We are well-positioned to remain a leader in the RV industry as it continues to evolve,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman of Camping World. “The addition of Outlet Recreation in Fargo will allow us to expand our footprint into the state of North Dakota while continuing to deliver a high standard of customer service and integrity in the industry.”
Camping World was founded in 1966. It specializes in offering RV sales and service, RV parts and accessories, outdoor lifestyle products and Good Sam products and services.
For more on the company, go online to CampingWorld.com
