Legal Flag Size Dispute Shuts Down Camping World Store

Silhouette holding USA flag against sunset sky — Young man proudly waving the American flag at sunset

Marcus Lemonis’ defiant stand over oversized American flags has led to the closure of a Camping World store in North Carolina.

Key Takeaways

Camping World closed a Greenville, NC store due to oversized American flags violating city codes.
CEO Marcus Lemonis refuses to take down the flags and faces legal actions.
The Greenville City Council plans to sue over flag size regulation breaches.
The issue highlights a clash between individual patriotic expression and local ordinances.
Lemonis sees these flags as symbols of his gratitude toward the United States.

Flag Controversy Sparks Store Closure

Camping World has shut down one of its two Greenville, North Carolina locations following a heated dispute with city authorities over oversized American flags displayed at the site. CEO Marcus Lemonis, who has proudly flown these flags as a testament to his patriotism and personal journey to America, refused to comply with the city’s size restrictions for flagpoles. As a result, the store, which faced ongoing legal pressure, closed its doors.

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis said he closed one of his locations in North Carolina rather than take down a giant American flag. https://t.co/BstgMkDKXs

— ABC7 Sarasota (@mysuncoast) April 23, 2025

Lemonis stands firm on his decision not to lower the flags or conform to the regulations that limit flagpole height to 70 feet, citing that his poles reach 120 feet. The flags themselves are as large as 3,200 square feet, drawing fines and city scrutiny. Yet, Marcus Lemonis remains unwavering, emphasizing, “Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down.”

Legal and Community Reactions

The Greenville City Council has authorized hiring legal counsel to sue Lemonis and Camping World over the code violations. This decision aligns with actions already taken in Sevierville, Tennessee, where a similar lawsuit is ongoing. Local ordinances there restrict flagpole heights for safety and aesthetic reasons.

“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,” said Rev. Franklin Graham

While community reactions are mixed, notable support has come from figures like Evangelist Franklin Graham. Graham advocates for exceptions within city codes for large American flags, praising the sheer size as an expression of national pride. Meanwhile, the city maintains that its enforcement is less about removing flags and more about regulation adherence.

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis said he closed one of his locations in North Carolina rather than take down a giant American flag. https://t.co/BstgMkDKXs

— ABC7 Sarasota (@mysuncoast) April 23, 2025

Patriotism at the Core

For Lemonis, who immigrated from Lebanon, these flags symbolize an opportunity, a transformative journey, and the deep-seated patriotism he feels toward his adopted country. The controversy underscores the recurring clash between personal patriotic expressions and municipal regulations. “Allow the flag to fly. Allow people to enjoy it. Allow kids in this country to understand what an amazing place they live in,” Lemonis passionately stated. As the legal battles unfold, the situation serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding symbols of freedom and individual interpretations of patriotism.

Despite legal challenges, Lemonis reiterates his commitment to keeping the flags flying, emphasizing that these symbols are intrinsic to his identity and the core values he cherishes.