Update: Gander Mountain won’t close all of its stores after all, new owner says

Contrary to earlier reports, Gander Mountain, a chain of hunting and outdoors stores, is not shutting down after being bought in a bankruptcy sale, according to the new owner, Marcus Lemonis of Camping World.

Lemonis said in a live online Periscope video that he plans to keep open at least 70 stores around the country.

Media reports around the country over the weekend said the retailer would close every store after Gander Mountain posted on its website Friday that it is closing all of its stores and will liquidate its merchandise.

The website said gift cards will be accepted only until May 18.

The company filed for voluntary Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in March and began the work to restructure the company and remain in business. In May, Camping World Holdings bought Gander Mountain and Overton’s.

Camping World sells, services and maintains new and used recreational vehicles along with products and services through its retail locations and membership clubs. Its other brand, Good Sam, offers RV services, protection plans and products.

It wasn’t clear Friday how Gander Mountain would fit into Camping World Holding’s business, although the company said this on its website:

“We at Gander Mountain believe that our best days are still ahead of us and we ask that you join us in welcoming and supporting this successful transition. Camping World shares the same passion for the outdoors as Gander Mountain and our customers, making for a great melding of businesses and outdoor communities.”

Traditional retailers, such as Gander Mountain, have suffered in recent years as more customers have shifted to online shopping. Some chains have shut down completely, while others have closed weaker stores.

(The News & Observer of Raleigh, NC, contributed to this report.)

This story was originally published May 6, 2017 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Update: Gander Mountain won’t close all of its stores after all, new owner says."