The CEO of Camping World announced the closure of a North Carolina location following a battle with local lawmakers regarding huge American flags flying at stores in The Tarheel State.
Camping World’s Greenville location was shuttered on April 18 amid a legal battle that saw two smaller locations close operations. According to a Friday report, Greenville lawmakers sued CEO Marcus Lemonis and the company for violating local ordinance by flying massive flags.
The report noted that one flag spans 3,200 square feet and flies from a pole roughly 130 feet tall.
“We think the ordinance is wrong,” Lemonis said. “I think it’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.”
The report also noted that Lemonis has held out against the lawsuits and continues to fly the huge flags, which continue to incur fines.
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 “been unfortunately impacted uniquely. “
“This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag,” Greenville Communications Manager Brock Letchworth said. “It is about bringing the flag into compliance with City Code.”
“We look forward to finding a resolution that will result in the continued display of the flag, but in a way that does not violate local laws.”
Lemonis, who was born in Lebanon, argues that the ordinances in Greenville violate North Carolina state law.
“I wasn’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’ve put a lot of sweat and tears into building this business for my people, for the country,” he said. “And it’s my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am that this country provided me an opportunity where it didn’t have to. To make money, to be a capitalist, to provide jobs in America.”
Similar to Greenville, a Camping World location is being sued in Sevierville, Tennessee, as city officials claim Camping World’s giant flag could be a distraction for drivers, according to the report.
“Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,” officials there said. “Excessively tall structures can create visual distractions for motorists, pose potential safety hazards, and affect the scenic views that are a vital part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham defended Camping World.
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“These American flags are HUGE—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,” Graham posted to Facebook.
“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—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—and it is.”