FreedomRoads/Camping World Acquires Bodily RV Center
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FreedomRoads & Camping World, America’s largest RV and outdoor retailer, today announced that it has acquired Bodily RV Center, establishing itself in Idaho and strengthening its market penetration in the Northwest United States, a region with numerous natural attractions and a major draw for RVers.
This acquisition gives the company a stronghold on the Idaho market. With two existing locations including one in the Boise area and in Idaho Falls, Bodily RV Center has in excess of $45 million in annual revenues and is the dominant RV retailer in the state. It has a 30 year track record of excellence in customer service, with highly experienced staffs, top technicians and substantial inventories giving customers a wide selection of models and features. Bodily RV Center boasts top selling manufacturers such as Fleetwood, Keystone, Winnebago and Coachmen. It was recently recognized by the Idaho Statesman as one of the states top 75 private companies and has been honored with a number of industry awards.
In 2008, both the Meridian and Idaho Falls locations will expand and include the addition of Camping World stores. The expansions will include brand new state-of-the-art facilities including service, collision and repair and full size Camping World SuperCenters.
“Like our other acquisitions we look for the undisputed market leader with the right management and culture, and the Bodily RV Center dealerships are absolutely top drawer,” said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of FreedomRoads & Camping World. “Gary and Deborah Bodily have built one of the most efficient, effective and customer-focused organizations in the country and we’re very pleased that they are now part of the FreedomRoads& Camping World family. Our goal is to capture 40% of the entire Idaho market area. We are focused on acquiring other dealers in the markets to continue making the shopping experience more convenient for our customers,” he asserted.
Gary Bodily commented, “Being part of FreedomRoads & Camping World will be great for our employees and customers alike. In addition to their operational expertise, they really know how to add value through membership, insurance, financing and other programs that will take our already advanced dealerships to the next level. That’s good for everyone and with the addition of the Camping World stores we will have unbeatable combinations.”
The brisk expansion of FreedomRoads and Camping World business is well timed to respond to growing consumer demand as the outlook for the RV and RV supplies and accessories market burgeons, topping lists of US growth industries. A recent study by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center found that one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now own an RV. There are now 7.9 million households in the U.S. with a RV. This figure indicates a 58 percent rise in RV ownership since 1980. This study also anticipates similar growth in the future, thus providing the catalyst for additional FreeedomRoads and Camping World stores across the country.
