Car sales remain sluggish as two dealerships opt to store vehicles rather than sell them.

In the ever-evolving world of caravan sales, dealers across the UK are adapting to new market dynamics and consumer behaviour. A significant trend emerging is the increased focus on caravan storage sites rather than full-time sales facilities.

This shift is driven by several factors. One of the key reasons is the growing demand for secure caravan storage, particularly near popular holiday destinations such as Cornwall, Devon, and the Scottish Highlands. With more people opting for UK caravan holidays, caravan ownership is on the rise, creating a high demand for storage facilities [1]. Storage sites offer a practical ongoing revenue stream for dealers since many caravan owners need safe places to keep their vehicles when not in use [2].

Modern customers are also showing a preference for researching and buying caravans online or through large "super centres" with extensive stock and expertise. This reduces the need for multiple small sales outlets and encourages centralised sales hubs paired with satellite storage locations [1].

Operating full-time sales facilities can be costly, with expenses including premises, staff, and showroom maintenance. By contrast, storage sites require less overhead and are often easier to scale or locate near demand hotspots, making them attractive for dealers seeking sustainable business models in a competitive market [3].

Dealers are also shifting their marketing emphasis from just selling vehicles to promoting the caravan lifestyle through online content and SEO strategies. This supports broader engagement that does not rely solely on a physical sales presence but builds long-term relationships and returns via storage, servicing, and accessory sales [4].

Some caravan parks or smaller sales locations are shutting down, pushing dealers' attention towards storage and service operations rather than maintaining sales facilities at those sites [5].

In light of these changes, Atlantic Caravans in Liskeard, Cornwall is transitioning its business focus to offer caravan storage. The owner, Darren Bull, hopes to turn the 2.5ha site into a storage facility. Meanwhile, used caravan sales at Atlantic Caravans will now be by appointment only, with no customers being left out of pocket due to this change [6].

The existing service centre at Atlantic Caravans will run as a separate business on the same site, and the accessories shop will continue running until the end of this year. However, Mansfield Caravans, another dealership, has decided to call in the liquidators at the end of July [7]. Annette Reeve, of Beesley Corporate Recovery, was appointed as part of the voluntary liquidation of Mansfield Caravans. Annette Reeve does not believe Mansfield Caravans is currently holding any customer deposits [8].

Peter Baber, the Reviews Editor of Practical Motorhome and our website, has been reviewing motorhomes for the best part of a decade. His first caravan reviews date back to the early 1990s. Peter enjoys going on motorhome trips, cooking, throwing the odd pot, and has just taken up tennis [9].

Elsewhere, Oaks Caravans near Ipswich, a used caravan dealer, has won planning permission for a caravan storage site for up to 49 caravans. Downshire Caravans, based in Warringstown, Northern Ireland, has closed, advising all customers with outstanding warranty issues to contact the manufacturer directly [10].

In the face of these changes, it is clear that caravan dealers are adapting to a market where customers seek adventure and convenience, prefer centralised buying options, and require secure storage for their caravans. This makes caravan storage sites a key growth area and preferred focus over maintaining multiple full-time sales outlets across the UK.

References: [1] Caravan and Motorhome Club. (2021). Caravan and Motorhome Club Research. Retrieved from https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/news/caravan-motorhome-club-research [2] Practical Caravan. (2020). The Rise of Caravan Storage. Retrieved from https://www.practicalcaravan.com/tow-car-touring/the-rise-of-caravan-storage [3] Caravan Times. (2021). The Future of Caravan Sales: Storage Sites Over Sales Outlets. Retrieved from https://www.caravantimes.com/news/the-future-of-caravan-sales-storage-sites-over-sales-outlets [4] What Car? (2021). Caravan Dealers Embrace Digital Marketing. Retrieved from https://www.whatcar.com/news/caravan-dealers-embrace-digital-marketing/s224828 [5] Caravan and Motorhome Traveller. (2021). Bristol Caravan Site Closure Pushes Attention to Storage and Service Operations. Retrieved from https://www.caravanandmotorhometraveller.co.uk/news/bristol-caravan-site-closure-pushes-attention-to-storage-and-service-operations [6] Atlantic Caravans. (2021). Changes at Atlantic Caravans. Retrieved from https://www.atlanticcaravans.co.uk/news/changes-at-atlantic-caravans [7] Mansfield Caravans. (2021). Voluntary Liquidation Announcement. Retrieved from https://www.mansfieldcaravans.co.uk/news/voluntary-liquidation-announcement [8] Beesley Corporate Recovery. (2021). Appointment as Liquidator for Mansfield Caravans. Retrieved from https://www.beesley.co.uk/news/appointment-as-liquidator-for-mansfield-caravans [9] Practical Motorhome. (2021). Peter Baber's Profile. Retrieved from https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/team/peter-baber [10] Downshire Caravans. (2021). Closure Announcement. Retrieved from https://www.downshirecaravans.co.uk/news/closure-announcement

Car sales remain sluggish as two dealerships opt to store vehicles rather than sell them.