Camping World Closes Greenville, NC Store Amid Flag Dispute
Background on the Dispute
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has made headlines again by closing one of the company’s two locations in Greenville, North Carolina. The decision stems from an ongoing legal battle with the city over an oversized American flag proudly displayed at the dealership.
The flag, which measures an impressive 3,200 square feet and is mounted on a 130-foot pole, has become a symbol of patriotism for Lemonis but a point of contention with Greenville city officials.
City of Greenville’s Flag Ordinance Requirements
The conflict arises from Greenville’s city ordinance regarding flag displays. According to local regulations:
The maximum height for flagpoles is 70 feet.
The size of flags must be proportional to the height, typically much smaller than what Camping World erected.
Any structure or display that exceeds these limits is subject to fines, compliance demands, and possible legal action.
City officials maintain that these rules are in place to ensure public safety, prevent visual obstructions, and maintain aesthetic standards in commercial areas.
Because Camping World’s flagpole nearly doubles the legal height, the city fined the company $15,000 and filed a lawsuit in March 2025 to force compliance.
Marcus Lemonis’s Response
Marcus Lemonis has been unwavering in his stance. He publicly declared, “Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail—the flag is not coming down.”
Lemonis sees the oversized flag as a “love letter” to the country that gave him a second chance at life—he immigrated to the U.S. from Beirut, Lebanon, as a child.
In an interview, Lemonis criticized the city’s ordinance, suggesting it was poorly written and may conflict with North Carolina state laws, though he did not cite specific statutes.
Rather than remove the flag or lower the pole, Lemonis chose a bold path: shuttering the Greenville location on April 18, 2025. He emphasized that the decision was necessary to preserve the principle he believes in, even at the cost of business.
National Reactions
While specific data on the number of motorcycle riders purchasing RVs from Camping World is not publicly available, the RV industry has seen a notable increase in motorcycle enthusiasts integrating their passion for riding with RV travel. This trend is particularly evident in the popularity of toy haulers—RVs designed with built-in garages to accommodate motorcycles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles. This writer met with Marcus Lemonis at an event in Denver, Colorado, several years ago. Mr. Lemonis said that 6 out of 10 buyers at Camping World are motorcycle enthusiasts.
Motorcycle enthusiasts are also extremely patriotic; tens of thousands of bikers haul their RVs to Sturgis and other big rallies yearly.
The dispute has drawn national media attention, with many praising Lemonis’s patriotic resolve. Notable public figures, such as Evangelical leader Franklin Graham, have expressed support, arguing that special exceptions should be made for the American flag.
Similar battles have occurred at other Camping World locations, including a store in Sevierville, Tennessee, where local ordinances also restricted large flags and flagpole heights.
Conclusion
The closure of Camping World’s Greenville store highlights the tensions that can arise when patriotism, municipal regulations, and business interests collide. For Marcus Lemonis, it’s a fight that goes beyond ordinances—it’s about standing firm on the values he holds dear, even when facing legal and financial consequences.
As the story unfolds, it raises broader questions about how cities should balance civic regulations with expressions of national pride.
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Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis closes North Carolina store amid flag dispute | Fox Business
