Gander Mountain liquidates, future of Algonquin store unclear

ALGONQUIN – The new owners could not be immediately reached Monday regarding plans for Gander Mountain, which is going out of business in Algonquin and elsewhere.

Closing sales began Friday at all remaining Gander Mountain stores, but some locations apparently will stay open under another format.

Camping World announced Monday that it plans to operate 70 or more Gander Mountain stores but did not identify locations.

Lincolnshire-based Camping World acquired Gander Mountain Co. and its Overton’s boating business in a bankruptcy auction April 27 and April 28.

Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis in a written statement Monday said the company plans to operate 70 or more Gander Mountain locations depending on the ability to negotiate acceptable lease terms with building owners and approval from the bankruptcy court.

On Monday, Lemonis was posting updates on his Twitter account of stores that would remain open. As of about 5:30 p.m., the only Illinois locations listed were Marion, Peoria and Springfield.

In the meantime, Gander Mountain is liquidating inventory at all 126 of its remaining locations.

“The current liquidation of the existing Gander Mountain inventory will allow us to start with a clean slate of what we consider the appropriate mix and level of inventory, including the addition of Camping World and Overton’s offerings where appropriate,” Lemonis said in the statement.

Camping World operates 125 stores in 36 states, specializing in the sale of recreational vehicles, parts and accessories. The company has one Illinois store in Wauconda. Camping World had a store in Bolingbrook that closed several years ago.