Gander Mountain Company

Gander Mountain Company began in 1960 in Wilmot, Wisconsin, as a catalog-based retailer serving outdoor enthusiasts. Over the decades, it evolved into one of the country’s largest specialty chains focused on hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor gear. By March 2017, the company operated 162 stores across 27 states, with a presence concentrated in the Midwest, South, and East. Its stores were known for their large format and wide selection, drawing a steady customer base of outdoor recreation customers.

A major turning point came in March 2017, when Gander Mountain filed for bankruptcy due to rising competition and shifting consumer habits. In May of that year, Camping World Holdings, Inc. acquired the company’s assets. Following the acquisition, most Gander Mountain locations were either closed or rebranded as Gander Outdoors, and the business strategy shifted to align with Camping World’s broader retail approach. Since then, no new Gander Mountain stores have opened, and any expansion has occurred under the Gander Outdoors name.

As of March 2017, Gander Mountain’s scale and geographic reach made it a prominent anchor in the big-box outdoor retail sector. Its transition and consolidation under Camping World Holdings reflect broader changes in the outdoor retail landscape, with the brand’s legacy continuing through Gander Outdoors’ evolving footprint and format. This history underscores the brand’s adaptability and the continued relevance of large-format outdoor retail in select markets.