Good Sam to Discontinue Highways Magazine

Highways magazine, the “official communication” of the Good Sam Club, the 1.36-million member RV consumer club operated by Good Sam Enterprises LLC, Lincolnshire, Ill., will be effectively discontinued in February.

However, Highways, a quarterly publication that dates back more than 40 years and is now one of only a handful of remaining consumer print titles serving the North American RV industry, will still be available as a quarterly insert in the company’s other monthly consumer RV pubs, Trailer Life and MotorHome.

“Over the past few years our team has worked tirelessly to make positive changes in an attempt to produce the publication that you want,” Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Good Sam Enterprises and its Camping World Inc. affilate, explained in the May/July issue of Highways. “Despite the attempts, it seems that we continue to get constructive feedback that indicates you want something different.”

What club members want is fewer ad pages, more content and, in some cases, electronic delivery, says Lemonis, adding that he remains “disappointed” with the publication and would prefer to deliver club news along with relevant, RV-specific information in TL and MH without “watering it all down with so much advertising.”

“Beginning in February 2014, the current Highways communication will be replaced with your choice of four free issues of either Trailer Life magazine or MotorHome magazine,” wrote Lemonis, whose company recently divested itself of its powersports titles. “While we will no longer produce the standard Highways magazine, we will produce a special Highways Good Sam Club magazine insert section featuring all the content you know and love from Highways. Regular Highways features like Action Line, Chapter Chat, Club Events, Benefit Updates, New Products, Pet Tales, Tech Topics, Photo Contests and more will remain part of the Good Sam Highways insert section.”

The result, Lemonis explains, will be fewer ads and more relevant content delivered free to all club members as part of their club membership. And it will also, according to Lemonis, result in a waste reduction of 754 million print pages annually. TL & MH subscribers are to receive four free issues as compensation for the free distribution.

Good Sam Sees Improved 1Q Sales, Earnings

Good Sam Enterprises LLC reported improved sales and earnings results for the first quarter, ended March 31.

Revenue totaled $114 million for the period, representing an increase of $3.9 million, or 3.6%, from the comparable period in 2012. Net income in the quarter was $4.4 million versus $0 for the first quarter of 2012. Good Sam’s financials do not reflect rolling stock sales from the company’s Camping World Inc. unit.

A breakdown by segment showed:

• Membership services, which now include Good Sam’s media segment, posted revenue of $48.5 million for the first quarter of 2013, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 1.1%, from the comparable period in 2012.  This revenue decrease was largely attributable to a $2 million decline in member events revenue due to the timing of the company’s first annual member rally that occurred in the first quarter of 2012 and is scheduled to occur in the second quarter of 2013. There was also a $1.1 million reduction resulting from 10 fewer issues published and four fewer shows produced primarily resulting from the sale of the outdoor powersports magazine titles and shows to EPG Media LLC that occurred in March 2013, and a $0.2 million revenue reduction from other ancillary products.  EPG Media, LLC is controlled by Mark Adams, the son of the Chairman Stephen Adams.  These decreases were partially offset by a $2.3 million revenue increase from the extended vehicle warranty programs due to an increase in average revenue per contract and increased contracts in force, and a $0.5 million increase from the roadside assistance programs primarily due to increased contracts in force.

• Retail revenues of $65.5 million for the first quarter of 2013 increased by $4.5 million, or 7.3%, from the comparable period in 2012.  Store merchandise sales increased $5 million from the first quarter of 2012 due to a same store sales increase of $1.7 million, or 4.0%, and a $4.4 million increase from the opening of 17 new stores over the last 15 months, which were partially offset by decreased revenue from discontinued stores of $1.1 million. Five stores were closed in the last fifteen months in order to consolidate operations within specific geographic areas.  Mail order and internet sales increased $0.2 million, supplies and other revenue increased $0.4 million, and installation and service fees decreased $1.1 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $30.9 million for the first quarter of 2013 decreased $0.2 million compared to the first quarter of 2012. This decrease was primarily due to reduction of legal and club branding expenses of $0.5 million, reduced facility expenses of $0.3 million and other reductions of $0.1 million, partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in retail selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly related to increased labor.

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2013 totaled $12.2 million compared to approximately $10.1 million for the first quarter of 2012.  This increase of $2.1 million was primarily the result of an increase in gross profit for the Retail and Membership Services segments of $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and a $0.5 million decrease in operating expenses for the first quarter of 2013.

To view the entire report click here.

Good Sam to Post 1Q Earnings Report May 14

Good Sam Enterprises LLC announced that it intends to file on May 14 its first-quarter report, ended March 31.  The report will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The company has scheduled a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2013 financial results at 8 a.m. PT on May 16.  Marcus Lemonis, president and CEO, and CFO Thomas Wolfe will host the conference call.

Those wishing to listen to the conference call by telephone may dial (866) 283-8243 in the U.S. and Canada. Please allow time for the operator to obtain your name, phone number and company name. Good Sam intends to make a replay of the conference call available beginning four hours after the end of the live call through May 26.  The replay may be accessed by dialing (888) 266-2081 in the U.S. and Canada. The conference code is 1613485.

Good Sam to Launch an Auto Buying Program

Building on its commitment to provide maximum value and savings to its members, Good Sam, the world’s leading provider of products and services for the RV and outdoor recreation consumer, today (April 15) announced it will launch a new auto buying program to provide their more than 1 million members with pre-arranged savings on the purchase of autos, as well as on boats, ATVs and other powersports vehicles.

With Good Sam Club members able to save thousands on purchases, the auto buying service is already attracting attention, even though it launches in July, according to a news release.

“Our focus is simply for our Good Sam members to have a great, seamless buying experience,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Good Sam and Camping World. “With the Good Sam Auto Buying Service our members will receive value and top-notch service on their purchase of a vehicle that would complement their RV lifestyle whether it is a new car, truck, van, sport utility, motorcycle, boat or ATV.”

Featuring up-front, hassle-free, pre-arranged pricing on many makes and models of autos, boats, and powersport vehicles, the Good Sam Auto Buying Service is unmatched in the industry. “No other camping or outdoor organization offers anything close,” said Lemonis, “We continue to provide Good Sam Members with serious savings — while they RV and throughout all aspects of their life. We will be adding more and more savings programs for our members.”

Building on relationships with more than 2,000 dealerships representing leading brands from Ford to Jeep, Toyota to Mercedes and many more, the Good Sam Auto Buying Service will offer members the ability to configure the exact vehicle they are interested in and to enjoy pre-arranged, discounted prices — with no negotiations needed. All prices are guaranteed and club members will work directly with dedicated, specially trained, dealer staff to complete their vehicle purchases. The program provides more than just lower prices and hassle free buying experiences, it includes the best customer service, all backed by Good Sam.

“The Good Sam Club is built upon helping people, and helping people save money is something we take seriously,” said Lemonis. “Members already save millions of dollars every year at campgrounds, at Camping World and at Pilot Flying J. Now, they will save even more at car, boat and powersports dealerships across the country. Our Auto Buying Service lets members focus on the excitement of their vehicle purchases, while saving thousands of dollars. We have pledged to bring maximum value to our members and we are delivering on that promise, again.”

With the service set to launch on July 1, Good Sam has already received such a high level of interest that they are offering Club members the ability to sign up on www.goodsamclub.com/autobuying to be notified as soon as the program is ready.

The Good Sam Buying Service will also help members choose the specific vehicle that is best for them. With side-by-side comparisons and thousands of pages of descriptions, photos and specifications, the Service provides a one-stop location to manage the entire vehicle research and purchase experience — all with pre-arranged discounted pricing.

About Good Sam Enterprises LLC

Good Sam Enterprises LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries is the world’s largest provider of products and services that enhance the RV and outdoor recreation consumer experience. Our products provide savings, safety, security, comfort, and convenience, making RV ownership and the outdoor lifestyle more enjoyable. GSE corporate headquarters are located in Lincolnshire, Ill., with subsidiary operations and divisions located in multiple locations throughout the United States.

 

 

Investors Retaining 11.5% of Good Sam Notes

Attempts by Good Sam Enterprises LLC to redeem their high-yielding notes have been turned back by investors who opted to keep them.

Woodall’s Campground Management reported that on March 12, the company offered to purchase up to $4.95 million in principal amount of its outstanding 11.50% senior secured notes due 2016. The offer to purchase was made by the company as an excess cash flow offer pursuant to the indenture dated as of Nov. 30, 2010, pursuant to which the notes were issued.

The offer to purchase expired on Wednesday (April 10). No holder elected to have its notes purchased prior to the expiration date, Good Sam announced in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

This is the second time in the past year that Good Sam has attempted to redeem a portion of the high-cost debt.

On Nov. 30, 2010, the company issued $333 million of 11.5% senior secured notes due 2016. Interest on the notes is due each Dec. 1 and June 1. As of Dec. 31, 2012, an aggregate of $325.6 million of the notes remained outstanding.

Camping World/Good Sam Buys Nationwide RV

Camping World Inc. (CWI) and Good Sam Enterprises LLC today (March 13) announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Nationwide RV, an existing RV dealership in Grain Valley, Mo., in the next 30 to 60 days.

According to a news release, plans are for the location to undergo expansion including adding additional service bays, a new Camping World retail store and a state-of-the-art collision center.

“The acquisition of the Kansas City location is a perfect strategic fit for us in terms of the location being contiguous to our existing business as well as allowing for expansion and broadening our market share throughout Missouri as well as nearby Kansas and Iowa,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam. “I always look for three things – people, process and product – in relation to enhancing our Camping World and Good Sam presence. Our focus is to increase our representation to existing and prospective RV owners and expand our service and product offering.”

Camping World of Kansas City represents the third location in Missouri for the national chain. The company has a supercenter in the Springfield market and recently announced the opening of a new location in Columbia in May.

Offering easy access off of Interstate 70, Camping World of Kansas City will carry a wide array of RV sales, service, collision, parts and accessories for the outdoor enthusiast while showcasing motorhomes and towables from the industry’s leading manufacturers. On the accessory side, the new location will feature new and innovative products including interactive displays and customer experiences from the top vendors.

Camping World said it expects the new supercenter to be one of its best and is pleased to have the current employees at the Nationwide RV location join the Camping World staff. The location will also be adding additional positions for seasoned and professional RV sales associates, technicians and retail support.

The company is also set to soon announce acquisition of additional RV dealerships across the country. Camping World said its goal is to add more quality manufacturers and brands, increase their presence in the market and grow the work force.

 

 

Good Sam to File Year-End Report on March 15

Good Sam Enterprises LLC announced it will file its annual report for the year, ended Dec. 31, on March 15. According to a press release, the report will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

The company has scheduled a conference call to discuss its 2012 financial results at 8 a.m. (Pacific Time) on March 19. Marcus Lemonis, president and CEO, and CFO Thomas Wolfe will host the conference call. Those wishing to listen to the conference call by telephone may dial (866) 283-8243 in the U.S. and Canada.

Good Sam intends to make a replay of the conference call available beginning four hours after the end of the live call. The replay may be accessed by dialing (888) 266-2081 in the U.S. and Canada. The conference code is 1608269.

 

Camping World to Open Fresno Outlet in 2014

Camping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC today (March 4) announced plans to open a new facility in the Fresno, Calif., market in the first quarter of 2014.

According to a press release, the location will be officially named Camping World of Fresno and offer a wide array of RV sales, service and accessories for the outdoor enthusiast.

Camping World of Fresno will be located off State Route 99 in a renovated facility. The new supercenter will join almost 100 other Camping World locations across the U.S. with 11 already established in the state of California.

“California is an ideal setting for the RV enthusiast with close proximity to great camping and wonderful adventures,” said Roger Nuttall, president of Camping World RV Sales. “We continue to work on identifying locations where we can best serve the needs of the RV community and Central California is a great fit.”

“With the recent success and rebound we have experienced in our California markets, most recently with the Redding opening, we feel the addition of a supercenter in Fresno confirms our love of this area,” said Marcus Lemonis, Camping World chairman and CEO. “With the close proximity to the Sierras as well as the national state parks, the San Joaquin Valley area really fits in our plans.”

Camping World will be opening positions for seasoned and professional RV sales associates, technicians and retail support to assist at this new location. Camping World said its goal is to increase their presence in the Fresno market, provide exceptional service to customers and grow the workforce.

Camping World is the nation’s largest RV and outdoor retailer and Good Sam represents the world’s largest RV owners organization.

 

Good Sam, Allstate Extend Roadside Services

Good Sam Enterprises LLC announced that it has extended its long-term business agreement with Allstate Roadside Services into 2019.

According to a press release, Good Sam Roadside Assistance has contracted with Allstate Roadside Services to provide customers with “multi-layered roadside assistance protection by keeping RVs and household vehicles protected in the case of roadside breakdowns.”

Commenting on the business agreement signed with Allstate Roadside Services, Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World Inc. and Good Sam, noted, “I am very pleased with our expanding relationship with Allstate Roadside Services, which will provide customers with the most comprehensive roadside service in the marketplace. Our main focus will always be exceeding our customers’ expectations and only providing service we can confidently stand behind.”

Lemonis said that over the past year, Good Sam Roadside Assistance has improved and expanded its customer service ratings by lowering wait times, providing continued education and training of their dispatch agents and expanding its relationship with a network of 30,000 tow and service providers. Good Sam Roadside also maximized the quality parts and service of their 100-location network of Camping World accessory and service centers across the U.S. to assist their customers with preventative maintenance tips and services.

“Allstate approached us regarding an extension and after receiving positive customer feedback and an increased approval rating, it made sense to extend our relationship,” Lemonis said of the collaboration that was first established in January 2011.

Benefits of the Good Sam Roadside Assistance program include 24/7 toll-free dispatch, unlimited distance towing and dispatch of a mobile mechanic, along with roadside services such as battery jump-starts, flat tire service and fuel and fluid delivery. Good Sam Roadside Assistance also utilizes Caller Locator Technology to pinpoint a member’s exact location when they break down.

Vehicles covered include one RV and any household cars, minivans, SUVs, pick-ups trucks, motorcycles and boat trailers. Good Sam Roadside Assistance members can also visit any Camping World SuperCenter for free 22-point unlimited RV inspections.

 

 

Good Sam to File Third-Quarter Results Nov. 14

Good Sam Enterprises LLC announced that it intends to file on Nov. 14, 2012 its third-quarter financials report for the period ended Sept. The report will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The company has scheduled a conference call to discuss its third quarter results at 11 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 15. Marcus Lemonis, president and CEO, and CFO Thomas Wolfe will host the conference call.

Those wishing to listen to the conference call by telephone may dial (866) 283-8243 in the U.S. and Canada. Please allow time for the operator to obtain your name, phone number and company name.

 

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