Camping World pauses plans for new retail location in Sidney

SIDNEY - Hopes for a new Camping World retail location in Sidney have been put on hold.

Sidney City Council members received notification last week the agreement between Camping World Holdings, Inc. and 59 Properties, LLC had been terminated. However, Camping World CEO and Chairman Marcus Lemonis told News Channel Nebraska on Monday afternoon, "it's paused, not terminated."

"I am still focused on coming to Sidney, but have to make the numbers work," Lemonis said. He didn't comment any further.

The news comes as Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced Monday the opening of its new SuperCenter in Wisconsin. The company currently owns and operates over 170 SuperCenters nationwide.

Sidney City Manager David Scott says the city staff is "obviously disappointed" by the latest developments.

Plans to build a 30,000-40,000 square-foot Camping World location on 14 acres of land near Walmart were announced by Lemonis at Beans & Steams Coffee House in August 2020, with the store opening sometime this year.

A second location in Nebraska was announced at the same time, but an update on the proposed Lincoln location was not given this week.

Lemonis also announced plans to manufacture RV mattresses at the old Cabela's Distribution Center west of Sidney, and create a third party logistics company (3PL) to help small businesses distribute their products nationwide. 

The goal was to hire 200 people at the Sidney retail store, distribution center and within the executive group. A source told NCN in January, the company had already hired "a couple people to work remotely."

59 Properties, LLC doesn't have any other dealings with Lemonis or Camping World at this time.