A Chicago-based recreational vehicle and camping dealer is renovating a building on eight acres in Fresno into one of the company's new retail sites.

Camping World plans to open a supercenter -- and create up to 50 new jobs -- off Highway 99 at East Central Avenue before Christmas.

The facility, which will sell motor homes and trailers, offer vehicle service and maintenance, and camping accessories, will be called Camping World of Fresno.

"We feel the addition of a supercenter in Fresno confirms our love of the area," said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and chief executive officer. With the Sierras and national parks nearby, "the San Joaquin Valley area really fits in our plans."

This is Camping World's second venture into the Fresno market but its first retail store. The company sold camping equipment and accessories out of Paul Evert's RV Country for three years before pulling out of the store in 2000.

"Much like other areas, (Fresno) got hit hard in the downturn," Lemonis said. "But we felt like we had such good customer feedback that it made sense to come back to the market. And the real estate transaction was affordable."

The Fresno location will be Camping World's 98th store nationwide and is part of the company's plan to expand in California.