Gander Mountain was once a leading force in the outdoor retail industry.Known for its vast selection of gear, the company catered to hunters, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.On the other hand, its path has not been easy. Over the years, it faced challenges that reshaped its future. This blog will explore Gander Mountain’s history, its current status, and who owns the brand today. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Gander Mountain still in business?”This post is here to clear that up.. Let’s dive in.
History of Gander Mountain
The history of Gander Mountain started in Wilmot, Wisconsin, in 1960.The company was initially a mail-order catalog business, offering outdoor gear to enthusiasts across the United States. Its founders saw a growing demand for hunting and fishing equipment, so they decided to fill that niche. The company grew rapidly, becoming a trusted name for outdoor supplies.
By the 1980s, Gander Mountain expanded its operations. It opened physical retail stores, bringing its products directly to customers. These stores became hubs for outdoor lovers, offering everything from fishing rods to camping tentsThe company built its reputation on offering quality gear and trusted expertise.
In 2017, the company filed for bankruptcy. It was a major blow to a once-thriving business. Many of its stores closed, leaving loyal customers wondering about the brand’s future. Yet, this wasn’t the end of the story for Gander Mountain. Despite its financial troubles, the brand found a way to stay alive through new ownership and a fresh approach.
Is Gander Mountain Still in Business?
So, is Gander Mountain still in business? The short answer is yes—though not in the same way as before. After its bankruptcy in 2017, the brand underwent a significant transformation. Marcus Lemonis, a businessman and host of the TV show The Profit, purchased Gander Mountain’s assets. He aimed to revive the brand under new leadership and a different strategy.
Rebranding Gander Mountain as Gander Outdoors, Lemonis gave the company a fresh start. The core remained outdoor products, but the presentation aimed to feel more current and customer-friendly.Gander Outdoors emphasized customer service, competitive pricing, and a streamlined product selection.
Today, Gander Outdoors operates as part of Camping World Holdings, a company specializing in outdoor and camping gear. While the number of stores is smaller than Gander Mountain’s peak, the brand continues to serve outdoor enthusiasts. Many locations now feature RV sales and services alongside traditional outdoor products.
Who Owns Gander Mountain?
Ownership of Gander Mountain has changed hands since its early days. After filing for bankruptcy in 2017, the company’s assets were sold at auction. Marcus Lemonis and Camping World Holdings emerged as the buyers. Lemonis played a crucial role in reviving the brand, believing it still had potential in the outdoor market.
Under Lemonis’ leadership, the brand was rebranded as Gander Outdoors. This move was more than just a name change; it represented a new direction. Lemonis focused on making the stores more efficient and customer-friendly. He also integrated Camping World’s RV products into Gander Outdoors locations, broadening the brand’s appeal.
Today, Gander Outdoors operates as a part of Camping World Holdings. Lemonis remains a key figure in the company’s strategy, often promoting the brand through his media presence. The partnership has helped stabilize Gander Outdoors, giving it a new lease on life.
The Brand Revival: A Digital Comeback
Gander Mountain’s story didn’t end with the closure of its physical stores. In fact, it transformed. After filing for bankruptcy in 2017, the company closed many of its locations. However, this wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a new chapter. The assets of Gander Mountain were purchased by Camping World Holdings, led by Marcus Lemonis, a well-known entrepreneur.
Camping World rebranded the stores as “Gander Outdoors.” While it kept the spirit of Gander Mountain alive, it also streamlined operations. The focus shifted from quantity to quality, with fewer stores and a stronger emphasis on e-commerce. This digital strategy allowed the brand to reach customers nationwide, even in areas where physical stores no longer existed.
Today, Gander Mountain continues to exist, but in a new form.Through its online presence and select stores, it continues to serve outdoor enthusiasts. While the brand is no longer the retail giant it once was, its digital comeback shows that adaptation can lead to survival.
Exploring the Difficulties Encountered by Gander Mountain
The downfall of Gander Mountain wasn’t sudden. It was the result of several challenges. Like many brick-and-mortar stores, Gander Mountain struggled to compete with online giants like Amazon. The convenience of online shopping made it hard to draw customers into physical stores.
Another issue was rapid expansion. At its peak, Gander Mountain had over 160 locations across the U.S. This aggressive growth stretched the company’s resources thin. Many stores were underperforming, and the high costs of maintaining them became unsustainable.
Gander Mountain Future Prospects
The future of Gander Mountain—or Gander Outdoors—rests on its ability to adapt. While the brand is no longer a physical retail giant, its pivot to e-commerce gives it a chance to thrive. Online shopping continues to grow, and Gander Outdoors is well-positioned to capture a slice of this market.
Community engagement is another opportunity. Outdoor enthusiasts often form tight-knit communities, and Gander Outdoors can build loyalty by connecting with these groups. Through social media, events, and content marketing, the brand can establish itself as more than just a retailer—it can become a trusted resource.
Of course, challenges remain.In today’s competitive retail landscape, relevance depends on continual innovation.Gander Outdoors will need to keep up with changing trends while staying true to its roots. If it succeeds, the brand could enjoy a bright future, even if it looks different from its past.
Conclusion
So, is Gander Mountain still in business? While the original brand no longer exists as it once did, its spirit lives on through Gander Outdoors. The company has faced significant challenges but has shown resilience through reinvention. By embracing e-commerce and diversifying its offerings, it has carved out a new path forward.
The story of Gander Mountain is a lesson in adaptation. In today’s fast-changing world, businesses must evolve to survive. Gander Outdoors is proof that even after setbacks, a comeback is possible. For outdoor enthusiasts, the brand remains a reliable source for gear and adventure. Though it may look different, Gander Mountain’s legacy continues to thrive.
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