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Kristin Davis experienced shingles on her forehead while filming the HBO Max TV series “And Just Like That,” a sequel to HBO romantic comedy series “Sex and the City.”

People quickly forget the importance of something if they have access to it daily. When the lockdowns struck, a number of people only realized the value of free movement and travel. 

Unexpectedly, the recreational vehicle (RV) market boomed during the pandemic. Travel trailers were considered the safest option for many Americans who were dying to travel, but feared crowded spaces. 

Fast forward a few years and so-called “Covid campers” are now dealing with the weakest RV retail environment in over 15 years, Camping World’s CEO Matt Wagner said in the company’s Q1 2026 earnings report that was obtained by The Motley Fool.

Under my travel coverage for TheStreet, I previously highlighted this concerning trend, stemming from high fuel and overall traveling costs, which has forced many Americans to significantly cut their discretionary expenses.  

Battling this challenging environment, the largest RV retailer in the United States, Camping World Holdings, Inc. (CWH) just confirmed more store closures and also lowered its full-year 2026 adjusted profitability outlook. 

But beyond shifting market demand and economic headwinds, the retail giant is also quietly contending with growing legal troubles on the ground.

Camping World to close another 4 stores amid weaker demand 

On Oct. 5, 2026, Camping World lowered its previously announced guidance range, projecting full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA to be below the low end of its previous range of $230 million to $270 million. 

Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of operating profitability that excludes interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain one-time items. 

“The Company’s current outlook takes into account a broad range of potential outcomes amid continued uncertainty regarding macroeconomic conditions and RV industry demand,” Camping World said in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

Read more: Airbnb CEO says travelers are about to see big changes

Camping World reiterated how both new and used vehicle unit sales softened sequentially in July amid weaker demand. 

In response to this new trend, the retailer has announced additional layoffs and the closure of four dealerships, two of which the company plans to reopen later. These cuts are expected to save at least $50 million a year and create a leaner, more efficient business by the fourth quarter, according to the filing. 

The news follows up on the previous store closures. 

Camping World to close another 4 stores amid weaker demand.Justin Paget / Getty Images

Camping World previously closed 13 locations

In August I reported on the dealer’s previous closures. After going through the company’s official documents and filings, I discovered that Camping World has closed 13 locations in just 12 months. 

More precisely, the documents revealed that over the 12 months ended March 31, 2026, Camping World: 

Consolidated 10 store locations

Closed 3 stores

Temporarily closed 1 location

Opened 4 new locations 

The company’s official records also showed that in 2025 alone, Camping World’s full-time employee count dropped from 12,701 to 11,144. 

Why Camping World has been closing stores, laying off employees

Camping World previously confirmed it has consolidated and closed stores to “improve overall cost efficiency of the remaining store location,” according to the filing. 

Camping World’s latest filing confirms the difficult environment and increasing pressures. Although the decline in new vehicle sales slowed in August and September, margins on those sales remained below expectations, the company said. 

Tougher economic conditions, including shifting energy prices and interest rates, are “pressuring the Company’s near-term demand and vehicle margin outlook,” according to the filing. 

Travelers can’t afford as many trips as they used to 

Industry data goes in line with what Camping World is saying, as market forecasts for wholesale RV shipments indicate ongoing market contraction. 

The RV market is declining with shipments projected for an 8.2% decline from 2025, driven by higher financing costs, inflation, economic uncertainty and weaker consumer confidence, according to RV Industry Association (RVIA). 

 “Economic headwinds and tightening household budgets are weighing on consumer demand and contributing to a more cautious outlook for RV shipments in 2026. Higher financing costs, increased uncertainty, and continued inflationary pressure on household budgets are causing many consumers to delay discretionary purchases,” said RV Industry Association president and CEO Craig Kirby. 

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Earlier this year, during the 2026 RV Industry Power Breakfast, Toby O’Rourke, CEO of KOA, the largest campground network in North America, raised a red flag on the latest industry trends. 

O’Rourke stressed that while more people are camping overall, the frequency of their trips is significantly lower than in previous years. Data also revealed that 5% to 8% of people who own an RV didn’t use it last year, and that might be a conservative estimate. 

“This difference in participation has a big impact at campgrounds, but it also has a big impact at dealers because if people are not using their product, they’re not inclined to upgrade or purchase another one,” O’Rourke explained, as reported by RV Business. 

She stressed that people have not lost the love for camping, they just can’t afford to do it as often as they used to. 

RV Lifestyle travel writer Mike Wendland said that based on current fuel prices, campground fees, and food and activities costs, a long weekend ends up costing more than a week used to cost. 

Other outdoor retailers are also struggling 

The outdoor recreation industry faces a severe post-pandemic slump as high interest rates, inflation, and fuel costs force households to pull back on big-ticket discretionary items. 

While sales of RVs and boats boomed during lockdowns, consumers are now cutting back on high-cost “nice to haves”. 

Beyond Camping World, major industry players are shuttering stores to lower overhead. Powersports retailer RideNow Group closed five underperforming locations and consolidated three others into larger multi-brand stores, a strategic pivot that helped lift its operating profits. 

Other outdoor sectors are seeing similar restructuring. Recreational boating giant West Marine filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and moved to close 91 locations nationwide.

Related: Six Flags permanently closes iconic ride after scary allegations 

Camping World operational and legal challenges at one location

Beyond industry-wide headwinds, Camping World faces company-specific challenges on the ground.

Multiple civil lawsuits have targeted a North Charleston, South Carolina location over alleged deceptive sales practices and unfulfilled service promises. 

In one case first uncovered by Live 5 News, buyers Jason and Carol Santore purchased a camper to live in while developing rental properties, only to encounter immediate defects, according to RV Travel’s coverage of the report. Carol told the local news station: “We were the ones that got screwed in the end, but all we wanted was our money back for what we paid for.”

Attorney Chris Banta, who represents several plaintiffs in the ongoing litigation, noted that new client complaints continue to roll in. However, Banta pointed out that prolonged delays and service disputes aren’t isolated to a single retail giant: “It’s not just a Camping World problem, it’s a manufacturer problem as well.”

The ongoing litigation reflects broader customer dissatisfaction. On online forums such as Reddit’s r/RVLiving, RV owners regularly voice frustration over lengthy service delays, unexpected fees, and poor post-sale support.

As management works to streamline operations and cut costs amid shifting travelers’ habits, restoring customer trust might also end up being among the company’s top priorities. 

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The plan concerns public payments, where about seven in 10 ZEC sit. A separate wallet tool would keep balance checks from revealing which addresses belong together.

Oregon coach Dana Altman retired Wednesday, less than four weeks before the season opener. Tony Stubblefield, a longtime assistant , will coach Oregon on an interim basis.

The Toronto Blue Jays quickly addressed the future of their team by acquiring a highly touted international player.

Your day-ahead look for Oct. 9, 2026

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

We’re heading into the darker season, when it can be hard to find time to relax outdoors unless you have outdoor lighting. Whether you’re driving home from work, getting a late dinner with friends, or sitting in the backyard, outdoor lighting helps you keep up with the early sunsets so you can still use your outdoor space. Lighting that defines your driveway edges for safety, lights up the backyard perimeter for a cozy touch, or outlines the walkway to prevent accidents can be easy, affordable, and let you enjoy time outdoors even after the sun goes down.

The Deraysion 10-Pack Solar Pathway Lights have a long-lasting warm light that lights up the night without being too bright. At just $32, this 10-pack of lights is a fantastic option to brighten up your outdoor space during the colder and darker months. Shoppers can save 16% at Walmart.

Deraysion 10-Pack Solar Pathway Lights, $32 (was $38) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

These lights offer a soft glow to light your path, with each light featuring an upgraded warm 3000K filament bulb with a clear casing. The 3-inch monocrystalline solar panel offers up to a 20% conversion rate for extended lighting that can last up to 10 hours. These lights turn on automatically at dawn once the sun goes down, and turn back off in the morning once it’s light out, so you’ll always have light available without thinking about it, whether you’re getting home late or are enjoying time in the backyard. They measure three inches wide and 15.5 inches long, allowing them to fit almost anywhere without taking up too much space around your garden, stairs, or front porch.

Related: Amazon’s 8-pack of waterproof solar lights that stay lit for up to 15 hours is just $37

The IP44 waterproof design can withstand diverse weather, from snow and frost to rain and high heat. They’re made of anti-rust materials like stainless steel, a premium impact-resistant Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell, and a high-transparency glass lampshade that does not turn yellow or corrode. They take as little as six hours to fully charge in the sunlight and are extremely easy to set up. The solar panel allows them to be set anywhere in the sun without worrying about wires or electrical connections — just put the light and stake together, flip the switch before installing them, then put them anywhere in the ground that gets sunlight. 

Details to know

Charging time: They can be charged in as little as six hours in the sun. 

Lighting: They offer a warm 3000k light that can last up to 10 hours.

Waterproof: The waterproof, frost-resistant, and heat-resistant material holds up to daily weather conditions.

This set of lights has a full 5-star rating, and one reviewer wrote, “These lights are very easy to put together, and they are brighter than I expected. They’re actually lovely.”

Shop more deals

Gigalumi 16-Pack Waterproof Solar Outdoor Pattern Lights, $26 (was $35) at Walmart

Excmark 10-Pack Solar Pathway Lights, $28 (was $50) at Walmart

Damayca 8-Pack Solar Outdoor Lights, $29 (was $50) at Walmart

The Deraysion 10-Pack Solar Pathway Lights offer easy and long-lasting weather-resistant lighting that can uplift your outdoor space. They can be placed anywhere on the ground to line pathways, gardens, or fences. Shoppers can get 10 separate lights to use anywhere in their yard for just $32, saving them 16% off the original price. 

Like millions of Americans, I turned to a GLP-1 drug to lose weight. I’ve tried a number of different providers and switched from semaglutide to tirzepatide, and I’m currently paying $899 for a three-month supply of the highest dose of tirzepatide allowed.

That’s not the cheapest option, but I’m buying through Noom, a company I trust, and that seems valuable when it comes to a medicine I need to inject once a week.

I also trust Costco, but the warehouse club, which has had success with selling GLP-1 drugs, isn’t actually the cheapest, or even one of the cheaper options for people needing these drugs.

Costco’s results, however, suggest that, at least in this one area, the membership club can win based on trust, and perhaps convenience, not just being the cheapest option.

Costco grows its GLP-1 business

Costco CEO Ron Vachris spoke about the company’s growing pharmacy business during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

“In pharmacy, sales grew nearly 20% as we continue expanding our digital capabilities. We increased member value and convenience through our GLP-1 and fertility programs as well as digital options like Rx Mobile Pay Ahead and Pickup Lockers,” he said.

CFO Gary Millerchip noted that while the chain has seen some impact on its food business from GLP-1 use, Costco’s addition of selling the drugs will drive more revenue.

“With the significant value that we offer through the programs that we’ve invested in to date and continue to invest in, we feel like we found ways to both offset those impacts and also drive more value for our members and drive increased script count as well as top line sales,” he said.

More Costco:

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He framed it as being a value and convenience play.

“While I do think there will continue to be those underlying headwinds that we have to manage, we feel good about the way in which we’re delivering more value for members through our health care, creating more convenience for them, and we believe those will allow us to continue to see momentum in that part of our business,” he added.

Costco’s overall business grew as well.

“Net sales for the quarter increased 11.2%, to $93.9 billion, from $84.4 billion last year. Net sales for the fiscal year increased 10.1%, to $297.2 billion, from $269.9 billion last year,” according to the chain’s fourth-quarter earnings release.

GLP-1 drugs can be injected or taken as a pill.Shutterstock

Here is what Costco charges for GLP-1 drugs

Wegovy injection, 0.25–0.5 mg: $199/month for first 2 fills

Wegovy injection, 1–2.4 mg: $349/month

Wegovy tablets, 1.5 mg: $149/month through Dec. 31, 2026

Wegovy tablets, 4 mg: $199/month

Wegovy tablets, 9–25 mg: $299/month

Ozempic injection, 0.25–0.5 mg: $199/month for first 2 fills

Ozempic injection, 1 mg: $349/month

Ozempic injection, 2 mg: $499/monthSource: Costco

Costco’s Member Prescription Program pricing can vary by location and is subject to change.

Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for semaglutide. Tirzepatide, which is what I take, is marketed under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Costco’s prices are in line with buying direct from the manufacturer.

“The pricing structures are designed to build loyalty. Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect charges $299 to $449 a month, with lower prices tied to refilling within 45 days. Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare Pharmacy offers an introductory price of $199 a month before stepping up to $349,” according to Quartz.

You do have to be a Costco member to subscribe to a GLP-1 through the warehouse club.

WebMD shared a list of online sources that sell semaglutide cheaper than Costco without requiring a membership. The same site also has a list of websites offering tirzepatide, which Costco does not sell at all, at prices lower than what I am paying.

Costco sells what its customers want

RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino thinks selling GLP-1 fits Costco’s business model, even if it creates an odd pairing.

“There’s something a little funny about having milk, a 48-pack of toilet paper and your GLP-1 medication all in the same Costco cart. But these drugs are becoming part of everyday life, so it makes sense that Costco would sell them,” he told The Street.

He doesn’t think price is the only factor in where consumers get these drugs.

“And Costco isn’t always the cheapest. People shop there because they trust they’re getting a fair deal, even if they could find a lower price somewhere else,” he added.

U.S. Bancorp BTIG Managing Director Peter Saleh, in a note shared with TheStreet, talked about the growing market for GLP-1 drugs.

“Our latest survey found adoption of GLP-1 medications continue to broaden, with a greater portion of lower-income and younger (under 35) users compared to a year ago. We found consistent diet implications as previous surveys, with most users cutting about 500 calories from their diet daily, with snacking, alcohol and soda seeing the most significant reductions,” he wrote.

Costco may still have a lot of sales growth in this space ahead of it if Saleh’s predictions are right.

“While we still think that GLP-1 adoption is in the earlier stages and continues to be a headwind for restaurant sales, we will be looking for a change in the mix of duration among GLP-1 users in future surveys to determine when that headwind turns into a tailwind,” he added.

ALSO READ: Coca-Cola adds a ‘healthy’ version of Coke and Sprite

Bitcoin recovered to around $82,500 after Trump ruled out an Iran strike, but remains about 4% lower on the week, while ether has lost 9%.

Thailand’s new crypto rules taking effect Oct. 16. They allow Thai asset managers to launch crypto ETFs on the local stock exchange, with bitcoin and ether initially eligible.