Is Gander Mountain Still in Business?

Gander Mountain was a well-known retailer in the United States, specializing in hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear. Over the years, it established itself as a leading provider of outdoor goods and services.

Gander Mountain’s Rise

The company was founded in 1960 in Wilmot, Wisconsin. It quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Its wide range of products, including firearms, camping gear, and apparel, appealed to a broad audience. By the 1990s, Gander Mountain had expanded significantly, opening stores across the country.

Financial Struggles

Despite its success, Gander Mountain faced financial difficulties over time. By 2016, the company was struggling with debt and declining sales. Competitive pressure from other retailers and the rise of e-commerce contributed to its challenges. In an effort to stabilize, the company attempted cost-cutting measures and restructuring efforts, but these were insufficient.

Bankruptcy and Acquisition

In March 2017, Gander Mountain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This filing allowed the company to attempt a reorganization of its debts while continuing operations. However, the situation worsened, and by May 2017, the company announced the closure of many of its stores.

Shortly after the bankruptcy filing, Camping World Holdings, led by Marcus Lemonis, purchased Gander Mountain’s assets. The acquisition included the “Gander Mountain” name, intellectual property, and store leases. Lemonis, a well-known entrepreneur and star of CNBC’s The Profit, aimed to revive the brand under new management.

Rebranding as Gander Outdoors

Post-acquisition, the name Gander Mountain was largely retired. Instead, the stores were rebranded as Gander Outdoors. This rebranding aimed to refresh the company’s image and directive. The new Gander Outdoors stores carry a similar range of products but also emphasize RV sales and services, reflecting Camping World’s expertise.

Under the new management, several of the initial stores reopened, though not all former Gander Mountain locations returned to operation. The restructuring allowed the new brand to be more selective about store locations and focus on profitability.

Current Status

As of 2023, Gander Outdoors continues to operate as part of the Camping World Holdings family. The stores offer a mix of outdoor gear, camping supplies, hunting and fishing equipment, and RV-related products. The change in strategy appears to have positioned the brand more sustainably in the competitive market.

Legacy and Customer Impact

Gander Mountain’s legacy as a go-to outdoor store remains influential. Many customers fondly remember the original brand. Gander Outdoors has sought to capitalize on this goodwill while offering a modern shopping experience. The current stores strive to maintain the core values of quality products and knowledgeable service, which were hallmarks of Gander Mountain.

Customers who frequented Gander Mountain might notice differences in branding and product placement. However, the essence of what made Gander Mountain popular continues through Gander Outdoors.