Small Business Comeback Tour: Campmor

By Joe Connolly and Neil A. Carousso

PARAMUS, NJ (WCBS 880) — People are itching to get out.

Campmor, a one-stop destination for adventurous individuals and families, has benefited by the focus on health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Paramus retailer is now gearing up for its busy spring season.

“Outdoor activities became very popular, camping became very popular, and one of the things that really really became popular was car top carriers,” said Campmor CEO Daniel Jarashow on the WCBS Small Business Comeback Tour, sponsored by PSE&G.

“We had people drive from all over to get to us to pick up these products and it became a big success for us and really helped us get going again,” he added.

Jarashow believes the pandemic demand for car top carriers has peaked, but he is seeing long-standing sales trends reemerge this spring. Active footwear, tents and camping equipment are top sellers.

He is also encouraged by the outdoor retailer’s strong digital growth. Revenue is now split 50/50 between Campmor’s store on Route 17 in Paramus and its e-commerce channels.

“We actually compete with most of our vendors,” said Jarashow of its growing online store. “Almost what really helps us stand out now is our unique selection in the store where people can touch and feel the product.”

See Campmor’s comeback story on the video above.