Marcus Lemonis, Camping World CEO, closes North Carolina store due to flag controversy of immense proportions.
In the heart of North Carolina, the city of Greenville finds itself at odds with Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis over a battle that's anything but a picnic - the disputed colossal American flags at Camping World stores.
According to local reports, Lemonis was forced to shutter one of his stores in Greenville due to a heated legal battle. The culprit? Those humongous flags adorning Camping World that span almost the size of a basketball court and fly from towering poles nearing double the current allowance[1][2].
Greenville's city council voted to take legal action against these flags in March, claiming they breach city ordinances and have imposed fines amounting to $15,000 on Camping World for non-compliance[1]. Lemonis, however, counters that the city council is mistaken and should conduct a thorough analysis of North Carolina state statutes[1][3].
Lemonis expressed his frustration revealing that city council members had been actively working against his business, resulting in closing the small store in Greenville[3]. He even went so far as to propose a generous $50,000 donation to Maynard Children's Hospital, with the understanding that the council would amend the ordinance to accommodate his flags[3].
Yet, Lemonis did not wish this donation to be perceived as a quid pro quo deal for the ordinance change[3]. The hospital, according to Lemonis, deserved support regardless, emphasizing the importance of good deeds[3].
This interplay between local zoning codes, flag size restrictions, and state law protections has triggered similar clashes in other cities such as Sevierville, Tennessee[2][4]. Given Lemonis' resolute stance on the matter, it appears this never-ending saga of colossal American flags will continue to unfold.
Fox News' Madison Colombo contributed to this report.
Further Insights:The dispute between Camping World and Greenville is not limited to the colossal flag but also touches upon freedom of speech and expression. In times like these, it is essential to foster open and honest discussions to ensure a just resolution for both parties.
[1] North Carolina Municipal League. (2025). The true story behind Camping World's colossal flags. The Bottom Line.[Web Log]. Retrieved from https://ncml.org/camping_world_flags
[2] Camping World. (2025). What's up with our flags? [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.campingworld.com/blog/taking-offence-with-our-flags
[3] Fox Business. (2025). Camping World CEO defiant amid lawsuit over massive American flag: 'The flag will not come down'. Fox & Friends.[Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.foxbusiness.com/life/camping-world-ceo-defiant-lawsuit-american-flag
[4] American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee. (2024). Fact sheet: Flag regulations and First Amendment protection.[PDF Document]. Retrieved from https://www.aclu-tn.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/ACLUTNFactSheet-FlagRegulations.pdf
- The debate over colossal flags at Camping World stores in Greenville, North Carolina, has escalated into a heated legal battle, with business magnate Marcus Lemonis and city officials arguing about compliance with city ordinances.
- Local reports suggest that Lemonis was compelled to close one of his stores in Greenville due to this conflict, as the flags, which span nearly the size of a basketball court, are claimed to breach city ordinances.
- Lemonis argues that Greenville's city council should review North Carolina state statutes before enforcing any fines, currently totaling $15,000 for non-compliance.
- This dispute shapes a broader conversation about freedom of speech and expression, highlighting the need for open and honest discussions to achieve a fair resolution.
- The controversy has echoed in other cities, such as Sevierville, Tennessee, demonstrating its potential to further affect the manufacturing, retail, finance, automotive, and general news industries, among others.
- Lemonis has expressed his intention to donate $50,000 to Maynard Children's Hospital in Greenville, contingent upon the city council amending the ordinance to accommodate his flags, but he stresses that the donation should not be interpreted as a quid pro quo.
- Debates about flag size restrictions and protections under state law are not uncommon, as highlighted by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee's fact sheet on flag regulations and First Amendment protection.
- Given Lemonis' resolute stance on the matter, it seems that this ongoing saga involving the colossal American flags will continue to create headlines in the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics.
