Another caravan dealership closes!

Another dealer ship closes The Caravan Company's Northants branch closed, leaving their Dorset branch still in operation

[@trucker5722]

There was an Alfa sport parked outside a house on the A45 Coventry for years. Not there now I drove past the other day. I think the problem is these days the land is worth loads more than the business, great little video nice to see your little princess driving you mad enjoy every second of the time with her.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

That image I used was taken in 1993 it was being used as a brew hut for a contra tor !! Yes a local dealer near me that had been there in the 60's got sold for building land so thats the problem these days - ah yes nearly two and giving me stick!!

[@jimf4748]

I think, as you say, part of the problem are the associated costs. We had caravans for 32 years and then 5 years ago moved to a Motorhome which we find easier. But it costs £120 to fill up and we only use CL 5 van sites, but they are now £25 to £30 per night, so 7 nights could cost £330 which makes it no longer a cheap holiday. That's before you factor in the purchase price of the caravan or motorhome. I know of two people who bought MH's during covid and have now sold them and are going abroad again for holidays.

[@holsteincowboy]

Had a look around Adventure leisure vehicles at Tebay services recently.They have some used Airstreams Nice vans but very expensive at almost 80k for a 2021

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

I went past there the other day - I know Michael who owns it and he knows the industry well. For me Airstreams just look old and not to many folks liking - 80k - no thanks!!

[@Senna-xi1gr]

There’s another gone. 😪. Let’s hope we don’t end up with a monopoly in the world of touring vans like what happened to statics .

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Also GT Towing another dealer but stopped caravan sales just selling trailers and other caravanning bits ! Yep left with big boys

[@paulbower5274]

you mentioned geist . seen one on a site this week,not seen one for ages. never new they were part of LMC. I do have a liking for the german caravans.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Geist were UK versions brought in by an ex Elddis guy whos name escapes me - they had limited success but you dont see many these days Paul

[@LucaStellaTV]

What a pity but it happens. I hope there will be a new dealer sooner or later.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Yes ut happens as we know in all areas just a shame when its been established some years - we need some new dealers but the sales dont dictate this happening anytime soon - thank you

[@thetrackertravels]

Another great summary and thank you for the shout out Andy! There’s been more on this story in the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph. I only passed the forecourt last week and its was thinning then, having usually been a rammed site, I agree it always presented tatty as a site but the caravans were good and they had broad selection at good prices. I am hoping this is a matter of time before the market levels, but clearly lower demand is forcing some out. Have covered loads on the equivalent motorhome market too on our channel: youtube.com/@thetrackertravels - we live smack between White Arches and this site so lots of friends and neighbours already feeling the impact of these local changes. I used to live in Leicester and saw the closure of their Abbey Lane site and new showroom - which quickly closed as you say. Andrew

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

ah reminds me when Discover Group went pop and took some good dealers with them including Barrons, Harringtons, Arthur Fitt Caravans and Hants and Dorset all good dealers - we had a few around here start selling and hiring motorhomes but we have Marquis, Campbells and Todds as well as Preston Caravans and Motorhomes all in striking distance - shame about The Caravan Company though-thanks for comments as usual.

[@andyzee3956]

Curiously enough I drove past the Wimborne branch on Tuesday and noticed there were a good few vans with Sold signin the front windows.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Good to see that then Andy - thanks for up date

[@juliegough350]

Hi Andy still watching you with hubby, i do like the holiday homes, and the park homes we are still looking to buy one. Love the touring vans, any plans to take yours out before summers over? You dont have to go far just get away for a weekend 😁😁

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Hi Julie - thanks - no not at present to much going on to be honest and money wise to. I am wanting to do more holiday homes so dont give up on me - ha ha - glad you like the channel and hope your enjoying Park Home and Holiday Living

[@juliegough350]

We are not going anywhere, we enjoy watching you, think my hubby messaged you to.😁

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

@@juliegough350 He did!!!

[@jameswalker7874]

Hardly a surprise. My theory is: Manufacturers got greedy in covid with huge price rises. Now, many new caravanners have gone back to going abroad because it suits their lifestyle better/works out cheaper/sounds better to their friends and colleagues. I'd imagine new vans aren't selling because there's a good supply of very lightly used preowned vans for long term caravanners, and with the advent of airbnb and the likes of it's much easier for dog owners to find alternatives and go on holiday with their dog. Offers and discounts have been very forthcoming which goes to show supply exceeds demand. It's a shame, especially for those losing jobs, but we'll find normality restores itself soon enough. Especially now everyone gets B+E on their driving licence, which must have put quite a lot off starting out with a caravan in the past.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Covid did a lot of harm - and yes prices went up but also driven by private sellers to who some made a killing forcing dealers to put their prices up - the industry will never be the same its becoming a more niche market with cars such as electric having low tow limits mainly because makers dont want you to tow with them - expensive prices and site fees are another factor - if the energy crisis hadnt hit things would have nicely gone back to normal - thanks for your comments and watching