Gander Mountain

Last updated
Gander Mountain
FormerlyGander Mountain, Inc. (1960–2017)
Gander Outdoors, Inc. (2017–2020)
Gander RV (2020-2022)
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Retail
Founded1960;64 years ago (1960), in Wilmot, Wisconsin
Defunct2022 (2022)
FateConverted into Camping World
Successor Camping World
Headquarters Saint Paul, Minnesota
Number of locations
162 (March 2017)
Key people
Marcus Lemonis, CEO
Products Apparel, Equipment, & Accessories for: Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Outdoor Recreation
RevenueIncrease2.svg US$ 1.32 billion (2016) Increase2.svgUS$ 1.065 billion (2008) [1]
Increase2.svgUS$ −15.5 million (2008) [1]
Total assets Decrease2.svgUS$ 613.1 million (2008)
Total equity Decrease2.svgUS$ 179.9 million (2008)
Number of employees
5,606 (2,325 full-time) (January 2009) [1]
Parent Camping World (2017–2022)
Website Archived official website at the Wayback Machine (archived March 3, 2010)

Gander Mountain, later known as Gander Outdoors and Gander RV, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreation products and services.

Contents

Gander Outdoors logo (2017-2020) Gander Outdoors Logo.png
Gander Outdoors logo (2017-2020)
Gander RV logo (2020-2022) Gander RV logo.png
Gander RV logo (2020-2022)

History

Gander Mountain Incorporated began as a catalog-based in Wilmot, Wisconsin. Wilmot is located near Gander Mountain, the highest point in Lake County, Illinois, a short distance across the state line. As of March 2017 the chain had 162 stores in 27 states, [2] making it the largest chain of outdoors specialty stores in the United States. [3]

In the 1990s the company sought bankruptcy protection and began to rebuild its business once it emerged. In 1996 it sold its mail order division and then later acquired the watersports company Overton's in order to relaunch its mail order business. [4]

The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2017 with plans to close 32 stores. [2] [5] On April 28, 2017, Camping World Holdings was announced as the winner of the bankruptcy auction of Gander Mountain. On May 5, 2017, Gander Mountain announced via its website the upcoming closure of all of its locations. [6] The new owner, Marcus Lemonis, has clarified through his account on Twitter that the bankruptcy court has sold the inventory and is liquidating it. Not all stores will remain closed if a new lease can be worked out with each landlord. [7] On January 4, 2018, Camping World announced an official list of stores that will reopen under the new Gander Outdoors branding, where 69 stores will open.

On May 1, 2017, Camping World Holdings, Inc., acquired Gander Mountain at auction for an estimated $35.4 million. As part of the deal, Camping World was obligated to operate a minimum of 17 Gander Mountain stores. As of 2018, Gander Outdoors had 59 open locations. [8] The revamp included incorporating Camping World merchandise at select Gander Mountain locations. [9]

From 2019 to 2020, Gander Outdoors replaced its parent company Camping World as the title sponsor of NASCAR's Truck Series. [10] [11]

Operations

Gander Mountain offered sportswear, hunting, fishing, camping, and other related outdoor recreation equipment. [12] Gander Mountain was formerly traded on NASDAQ but was turned into a private company under the majority ownership of David Pratt and the Erickson family, [13] which own Holiday gas stations. David C. Pratt was elected chairman of the board in December 2006. Pratt was elected as a director of Gander Mountain in August 2005 and named vice chairman of the board in December 2005. Jay Tibbets served as chief executive officer. [14]

Locations

Gander Mountain store in Appleton, Wisconsin, using 1980's-2004 era logo. GanderMountainAppletonWisconsin.jpg
Gander Mountain store in Appleton, Wisconsin, using 1980's–2004 era logo.
Map of Gander Mountain stores. GanderMountain footprint.png
Map of Gander Mountain stores.

Gander Mountain's stores ranged in size from 50,000 to 120,000 square feet and offered an outdoor esthetic. Physically, and visually, the stores had wider shopping aisles, high-joist ceilings, brick and stone accents, log-wrapped columns, and other wilderness related decorations.[ citation needed ]

Gander Mountain online store officially opened in August 2008. [15]

Following the closure of all Gander Mountain stores, 69 stores in 22 states reopened under the Gander Outdoors name. [2]

Gun sales

Gander Mountain called itself the top seller of new and used firearms in the United States. Starting in 2010, it had opened six Gander Mountain Academy and Firearms Supercenters, originally called “gun world”, where it estimated that over 250,000 people had received training. [16]

Gander Mountain sold its mail order business to Cabela's in 1996 with a no-compete clause. [17] In 2007 it won a lawsuit brought by Cabela's to resume online sales. On December 6, 2007, the company announced it purchased boating and watersports catalog company Overton's for $70 million (~$95.7 million in 2022) from a private-equity firm. The purchase of Overton's, based in Greenville, North Carolina, helped Gander Mountain's transition back into direct marketing.

In December 2013, Gander Mountain brought suit against Cabela's claiming that the competitor was illegally using domain names related to its business. The lawsuit accused Cabela's of "violating federal and state statutes as well as common law." Additionally Gander Mountain claimed that Cabela's was in violation of the federal Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, trademark infringement and trademark dilution. [4]

Bankruptcy

In March 2017, Gander Mountain voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. [18] The retail chain decided to close 32 stores in 11 states.[ citation needed ] The company then began to seek a buyer; [18] however, there was initially limited interest from potential buyers.[ citation needed ] Store closures began in April; the affected stores held inventory liquidation sales. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sears</span> Department store chain in the United States

Sears, Roebuck and Co., commonly known as Sears, is an American chain of department stores founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck and reincorporated in 1906 by Richard Sears and Julius Rosenwald, with what began as a mail ordering catalog company migrating to opening retail locations in 1925, the first in Chicago. In 2005, the company was bought by the management of the American big box discount chain Kmart, which upon completion of the merger, formed Sears Holdings. Through the 1980s, Sears was the largest retailer in the United States. In 2018, it was the 31st-largest. After several years of declining sales, Sears's parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 15, 2018. It announced on January 16, 2019, that it had won its bankruptcy auction, and that a reduced number of 425 stores would remain open, including 223 Sears stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">REI</span> American retail and outdoor recreation consumer cooperative

Recreational Equipment, Inc., doing business as REI, is an American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation. It is organized as a consumers' co-operative. REI sells camping gear, hiking, climbing, cycling, water, running, fitness, snow, travel equipment, and men, women and kids clothing. It also offers services such as outdoor-oriented vacations and courses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bass Pro Shops</span> American outdoor retailer

BPS Direct, LLC, doing business as Bass Pro Shops, is an American privately held sporting goods retailer that offers hunting, fishing, camping, and other related outdoor recreation equipment, marine manufacturing and sales, and outdoor resorts. The company is recognized by its retail stores, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, that feature natural outdoor designs and decorations. Bass Pro Shops supports conservation efforts, organizations that support America’s Armed Services and Veterans, and outdoor education and recreation for youth. The company partners with conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The company’s headquarters, original store, and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium are located in Springfield, Missouri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern Mountain Sports</span>

Eastern Mountain Sports is an outdoor clothing and equipment retailer in the Northeastern United States headquartered in Meriden, Connecticut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard N. Cabela</span> American entrepreneur (1936–2014)

Richard Neil "Dick" Cabela was an American entrepreneur, best known as a co-founder of Cabela's, a leading outfitter of outdoor sporting and recreational goods. He stated that his business was inspired by his bout with polio and a deep love of hunting and fishing. He was also described as "a vocal supporter of the National Rifle Association of America" and a hunter who decorated his home with taxidermic wildlife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cabela's</span> American outdoor recreational equipment retail chain

Cabela's Inc. is an American retailer that specializes in hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and other outdoor recreation merchandise. The chain was founded by Richard N. Cabela and Jim Cabela in 1961. Cabela's was acquired by Springfield, Missouri-based Bass Pro Shops in 2017 and has been a subsidiary since then. The brand’s retail locations feature wildlife exhibits and outdoor designs, and are viewed as tourist attractions. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s support conservation efforts and organizations such as the America’s Armed Services and Veterans.

Scheels is an American privately held, employee-owned and operated sporting goods and entertainment chain store headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. Scheels operates thirty-two store locations in fifteen U.S. states. Its slogan is "Gear. Passion. Sports."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camping World</span> Camping vehicle and equipment manufacturer

Camping World Holdings, Inc. is an American corporation specializing in selling recreational vehicles (RVs), recreational vehicle parts, and recreational vehicle service. They also sell supplies for camping. The company has its headquarters in Lincolnshire, Illinois. In October 2016 it became a publicly traded company when it raised $251 million in an IPO. Camping World operates over 180 retail/service locations in 46 states, and also sells goods through mail order and online. It claims to be the world's largest supplier of RV parts and supplies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magnolia Park Town Center</span> Shopping center

Magnolia Park Town Center is a shopping center in Greenville, South Carolina. Known originally as Greenville Mall, it was redeveloped extensively starting in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Camping World 225</span> NASCAR Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway

The Camping World 225 was a NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race that took place at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sportsman's Warehouse</span>

Sportsman's Warehouse is an American outdoor sporting goods retailer which operates in 29 states across the United States. Sportsman's Warehouse sells apparel, footwear, and gear which caters to sportsmen and sportswomen with interests in hunting, shooting, reloading, camping, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CRC Brakleen 150</span> NASCAR Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway

The CRC Brakleen 150 is a 150-mile-long (241.402 km) annual race on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series calendar at the Pocono Raceway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angela Ruch</span> American stock car racing driver

Angela Christine Ruch is an American professional stock car racing driver. She is the niece of Derrike Cope and the sister of Amber Cope. She last competed in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, driving the No. 00 Chevrolet Silverado/Toyota Tundra for Reaume Brothers Racing.

David C. Pratt is an American businessman and philanthropist who from 2006 until bankruptcy in 2016, served as controlling owner, chairman and CEO of Gander Mountain, the largest U.S. retail network of outdoor specialty stores for shooting sports, hunting, fishing and camping.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halmar Friesen Racing</span> NASCAR and dirt racing team

Halmar Friesen Racing, also known as Halmar Racing Team, is an American professional stock car racing and dirt track racing team that currently competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, fielding the No. 52 Toyota Tundra full-time for Stewart Friesen and the team also fields modified racing cars for several drivers around the Northeastern United States, including for Stewart and Jessica Friesen themselves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series</span> 24th season of third-tier NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

The 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series was the 24th season of the third highest stock car racing series sanctioned by NASCAR in North America. Christopher Bell entered as the defending champion, but he did not defend his championship, leaving his No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports entry to a number of drivers throughout the season, with Todd Gilliland covering the majority of the schedule in the truck. Title sponsor Camping World Holdings rebranded the series with their Gander Outdoors brand they acquired in 2017 for the 2019 season, replacing the Camping World brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victoria's Voice Foundation 200</span> Former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race

The Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 presented by Westgate Resorts is a 134-lap, 200-mile (320 km) NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race that takes place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The inaugural race was held in 2018.

Super Retail Group Limited is an Australian-based company which owns and operates a portfolio of retail brands across Australia and New Zealand. The brands include automotive retailer Supercheap Auto, outdoor and leisure retailers Macpac and BCF and sporting retailer Rebel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain Equipment Company</span> Canadian outdoor equipment retailer

Mountain Equipment Company, or MEC, is a chain of Canadian retail stores that sell outdoor recreation gear, formed from the assets of the defunct retail co-operative Mountain Equipment Co-op. It is owned by the American private equity firm Kingswood Capital Management, which acquired these assets in October 2020.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Gander Mountain SEC Form 10-K" (pdf). Retrieved 2009-12-27.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 3 Jones, Charisse (March 13, 2017). "Gander Mountain latest sports retailer to fail". USA Today. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  3. "Gander Mountain responds to bankruptcy rumors". Star Tribune.
  4. 1 2 Orrick, Dave (14 December 2013). "Gander Mountain sues Cabela's over web addresses". TwinCities.com, Pioneer Press. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
  5. "Gander Mountain is closing 32 stores: Is yours on the list?". USA Today. March 14, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  6. "GanderMountain.com". GanderMountain.com. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  7. "Camping World Announces Acquisition of Gander Mountain and Overton Assets". investor.campingworld.com.
  8. "Camping World drives beyond the RV park with acquisition spree". Retail Dive. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  9. Ciesco • •, Tim (2018-05-11). "A Year After Bankruptcy, Store Closures, Gander Outdoors Makes Comeback in North Texas". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  10. Hembree, Mike (May 8, 2018). "NASCAR Truck Series to be renamed Gander Outdoors Truck Series in 2019". USA Today . Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  11. "Camping World ending NASCAR Truck Series sponsorship after 2022". 28 July 2022.
  12. Farrell, Perry A. "8 Gander Mountain stores replaced by Gander Outdoors in Michigan". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  13. "#204 Holiday Cos". Forbes.
  14. "Company Overview of Gander Mountain Company Inc". Bloomberg. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  15. Guernsey, Matthew (May 27, 2020). "Gander Mountain: A Retail Giant's Fall from the Top". University of Tennessee College of Law.
  16. "Gander Mountain president said St. Paul-based chain took outdoors advocacy and training seriously". Star Tribune. October 1, 2016. Retrieved 2019-10-26.
  17. "Sportsmen ponder Bass Pro Shops-Cabela's merger". Arkansas Online. 2016-10-16. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
  18. 1 2 3 Palank, Jacqueline. "Gander Mountain Files for Chapter 11". WSJ. Retrieved 2023-09-05.