By Chuck Woodbury
EDITOR
Marcus Lemonis, the CEO of Camping World and the Good Sam Club (among many other businesses), said something on CNBC news last week that angered a lot of people, including countless RVers. Lemonis’ intent in the interview, as he notes below, is that if a person believes in the hate as displayed at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville then he does not want them as Camping World customers.
Some RVers took it as a stab at President Trump, and lashed out at him with hateful emails and even death threats.
In this video he posted later to clarify his statements, he says what he really was saying is that “If you believe in hate, then do not shop in my store.”
I am no fan of Lemonis in general, but I stand by the intent of what he said — people “hating” others because they do not share the same beliefs is wrong. My opinion is that Lemonis, talking off the culf, could have expressed his beliefs more accurately in the CNBC interview.
I urge you to watch his video (with an open mind).
##RVT808
He didn’t say, ““If you believe in hate, then do not shop in my store.”
What he said was, “There’s no doubt that there is probably not many consumers in this country today that are in favor of what has been said in the last couple days — and if they are, frankly, don’t shop at my business.”
So what was said? And by whom? It is clear from the CNBC interview his statements were directed at the White House. This notion that he was talking about “hate” in general doesn’t fit the context. He got caught with his foot in his mouth and is trying to play the “out of context” angle and failing, frankly.
I took his comments as not so much an attack on the President but on his customers. I’ve spent thousands of dollars at Camping World over many years. I also have a subscription to Motor Home magazine (which I will let expire without renewal). I’m also a Good Sam member. I’m ashamed that I paid for any of these things now. I have lots of friends in the rv world and I’ll make sure they all are aware of what’s going on.
This video seems perfectly reasonable, I don’t know what he said before, but I can only assume that he was unclear in his original statement, as I often am when I don’t have the opportunity to edit my “off the cuff” remarks.
That being said, I virtually never shop at Camping World, even before he bought it.
The little I know about his business practices involves him trying (and probably succeeding) in running a small competitor out of business, when she refused to sell to him.
Chuck, do you have any updates on that story?
Roy,
Here’s a link to an article in RV Daily Report from this June about this case: https://rvdailyreport.com/industry/letter-shows-trumped-up-camping-world-charges/ We’re not sure just where things stand at the moment. —Diane at RVtravel.com
If you’re explaining, you’re losing.
His comments were not taken out of content by anyone…..he said what he said….the comments were directed at Trump for saying they were wrong on both sides….I do not agree with hate speech….racism…..or bigotry…..but there was plenty on display that day from both sides…and a Trump called it…..Since I agreed with Trump…..I guess Lemonis does not want my business…so be it…..by the way I wrote the local store….no response…they do not want my money either
I have never been a big fan of Camping World due to having a direct interface with a Supervisor in one of their FL Sites. As for Marcus, he only came back for a second bite….CEO’s don’t make off the cuff comments when they know it is being copied. I now wonder if all the complaints against them are valid…I will go off the cuff – damned right.