{"id":2427629,"date":"2025-04-25T14:46:55","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T18:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/camping-world-ceo-announces-closure-of-nc-store-after-battle-over-huge-american-flags-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-04-25T14:49:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T18:49:51","slug":"camping-world-ceo-announces-closure-of-nc-store-after-battle-over-huge-american-flags-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/camping-world-ceo-announces-closure-of-nc-store-after-battle-over-huge-american-flags-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Camping World CEO announces closure of NC store after battle over huge American flags &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">34<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fcamping-world-ceo-announces-closure-of-nc-store-after-battle-over-huge-american-flags-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2427629&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis announced the closure of a store in greenville, North Carolina, due to legal disputes over the size of American flags displayed at the location. The Greenville city council had sued Camping World for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/christian-pastor-fights-back-in-court-after-ohio-city-charges-him-for-housing-the-homeless-in-his-church\/\" title=\"Christian pastor fights charges for housing homeless in church\">violating local ordinances<\/a> with flags that are 3,200 square feet and mounted on a 130-foot pole. Despite the controversy, Lemonis insists that this issue is not about removing the American flag but about compliance with local laws, which he believes infringe upon <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/judge-rules-ca-gov-overstepped-his-authority-with-covid-order-issues-permanent-injunction-restraining-newsom-from-further-issuing-unconstitutional-orders\/\" title=\"Judge Rules CA Gov Overstepped His Authority with Covid Order, Issues Permanent Injunction Restraining Newsom From Further Issuing Unconstitutional Orders\">state law<\/a>. he expressed frustration that city officials have allegedly tried to undermine his business and reinforced his commitment to keep the flags flying. Similar disputes over flag sizes are occurring in other locations, like Sevierville, Tennessee, highlighting a tension between local regulations and expressions of patriotism. Support has emerged for Lemonis, including from figures like evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Camping World CEO announces closure of NC store after battle over huge American flags<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2102062\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Camping World<\/a> announced the closure of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/north-carolina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">North Carolina<\/a> location following a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/lawsuits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">battle<\/a> with local lawmakers regarding huge<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/patriotism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"> American flags<\/a> flying at stores in The Tarheel State.<\/p>\n<p>Camping World&rsquo;s Greenville location was shuttered on April 18 amid a legal battle that saw two smaller locations close operations<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">. According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/04\/25\/business\/camping-world-ceo-marcus-lemonis-forced-to-shut-down-north-carolina-store-amid-battle-over-massive-american-flag\/\" title=\"Friday report\">Friday report<\/a>, Greenville lawmakers sued CEO Marcus Lemonis and the company for violating local ordinance by flyi<\/span>ng massive flags.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3390934\/george-santos-sentenced-wire-fraud-identity-theft\/\">George Santos sentenced to seven years in prison on wire fraud and identity theft charges<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/3391541\/pritzker-endorsement-senate-juliana-stratton-dick-durbin\/\">JB Pritzker endorses lieutenant governor to succeed Durbin in Senate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3391332\/trump-crimea-stay-with-russia-in-peace-deal\/\">Trump says &#8216;Crimea will stay with Russia&#8217; in peace deal<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The report noted that one flag spans 3,200 square feet and flies from a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">pole roughly 130 feet tall<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We think the ordinance is wrong,&rdquo; Lemonis said. &ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s also wrong council members have been working very actively to disparage my business, and on Friday I had to consolidate modification of [two] dealerships in town.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The report also noted that Lemonis has held out against the lawsuits and continues to fly the huge flags, which continue to incur fines.<\/p>\n<p>The RV and camping supplies retailer had two locations in Greenville prior to the forced shutdown of one, and according to Lemonis, the store has &ldquo;been unfortunately impacted uniquely. &ldquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag,&rdquo; Greenville Communications Manager Brock Letchworth said. &ldquo;It is about bringing the flag into compliance with City Code.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We look forward to finding a resolution that will result in the continued display of the flag, but in a way that does not <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/southern-baptists-shouldnt-write-blank-checks-for-sbc-leaders-on-sexual-abuse\/\" title=\"Southern Baptists Shouldn\u2019t Write Blank Checks For SBC Leaders On Sexual Abuse\">violate local laws<\/a>.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Lemonis, who was born in Lebanon, argues that the ordinances in Greenville violate North Carolina state law.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t born in this country. I emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. Came here to Miami, Florida, and had an opportunity to live the American dream in this country. I&rsquo;ve put a lot of sweat and tears into building this business for my people, for the country,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;And it&rsquo;s my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am that this country provided me an opportunity where it didn&rsquo;t have to. To make money, to be a capitalist, to provide jobs in America.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Similar to Greenville, a Camping World location is being sued in Sevierville, Tennessee, as city officials claim Camping World&rsquo;s giant flag could be a distraction for drivers, according to the report.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,&rdquo; officials there said. &ldquo;Excessively tall structures can create visual distractions for motorists, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/boeing-whistleblower-who-warned-of-aircraft-safety-problems-found-dead\/\" title=\"Boeing whistleblower, who raised safety concerns, found deceased\">pose potential safety hazards<\/a>, and affect the scenic views that are a vital part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors alike.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Evangelical leader&nbsp;Rev. Franklin Graham defended Camping World.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/infrastructure\/3359336\/dc-metro-american-flag-decals-railcars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">DC&rsquo;S METRO INSTALLS AMERICAN FLAG DECALS ON RAIL CARS IN CITY&rsquo;S LATEST PATRIOTIC PUSH<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;These American flags are HUGE&mdash;and I love it! The bigger, the better! Shame on the city governments that are trying to sue Camping World and get CEO Marcus Lemonis to take down the American flags he has flying over his businesses. Greenville, NC, and Sevierville, TN, are his latest attackers,&rdquo; Graham <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FranklinGraham\/posts\/these-american-flags-are-hugeand-i-love-it-the-bigger-the-better-shame-on-the-ci\/1228126862016239\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">posted<\/a> to Facebook. <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Yes, his flags and flagpoles exceed the city codes, but the American flag should be an exception. His flag in Greenville is 3,200 square feet&mdash;Wow! Mr. Lemonis is standing his ground and says that the flags will never come down, even if he ends up in jail. He says this is personal&mdash;and it is.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2102062\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2102062\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Camping World CEO closes NC store after flag dispute<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2644,"featured_media":2427630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AP25043322350603-1024x536.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[39084,54098,36783,32258,34848],"class_list":["post-2427629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-american-flags","tag-camping-world","tag-ceo-announcement","tag-north-carolina","tag-store-closure"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AP25043322350603-1024x536.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2427629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2644"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2427629"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2427629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2427633,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2427629\/revisions\/2427633"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2427630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2427629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2427629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2427629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}