Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts’ comp-sales are projected to once more set a record.
The company attributes the 47% growth in sales to franchisees, who continue to expand their campgrounds.
Sales in September were up 47.4% from the same period in 2020, which was a 10% increase from that time period in 2019. If projections hold true, this will be the 15th straight year the camping and entertainment brand has recorded annual sales growth.
According to Rob Schutter, CEO of Jellystone franchisor Leisure Systems, Inc., there has been an uptick in real estate investment firms buying Jellystone Park locations from independent owners. The investment firms are buying non-affiliated campgrounds and converting them to the Jellystone Park brand, as well as building new resorts, Schutter said.
“These groups have the financial resources to update, expand and improve their parks and operations, which drive sales and profitability,” Schutter said.
This year Jellystone parks opened in Massachusetts, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Work is underway on four campgrounds opening next year located in Georgia, Illinois, Texas and Utah. Jellystone Park has signed agreements for an additional five campgrounds. The company did not release a timeline for when those parks might open.
“The camping industry was growing dramatically before the pandemic introduced even more families to Jellystone Park,” Schutter said. “Parents and kids quickly learned that a trip to one of our parks is as much about family fun and entertainment as it is camping.”
Schutter said demographic and lifestyle trends, combined with continued record RV sales, point to a very bright future for the brand. He noted that some parks have opened 2022 reservations early because of demand.
“Families have invested in RVs and will continue to need places to enjoy them,” Schutter said. “Others have discovered the benefits of camping in a cabin that has all the comforts of home.”
Jellystone Parks feature pools, water slides, splashgrounds, jumping pillows, wagon rides, foam parties and interactions with Yogi Bear costumed characters. There are 75 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
