Tag: Opening

A beloved Harley-Davidson dealership is preparing for a relocation, but won’t be operational for several months.

The Big Moose Harley-Davidson in Portland, Maine, will be moving from its current location on Riverside Street to Main Street in Gorham, approximately 20 miles away, in a deal worth $2.85 million.

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The new site, previously a furniture store, spans nearly four acres and boasts significant visibility, with thousands of vehicles passing daily, as reported by Maine Biz.

Charles Day, who facilitated the deal, stated: “This property, due to its size and current condition, which allows for efficient organization, was particularly appealing.

“Additionally, the location sees strong traffic.”

The new dealership will be in capable hands, as the purchasing entity, 673 Main Street LLC, is owned by Al Contois and Shawn Lillie, who also run a flagship dealership, Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton, New Hampshire.

They also operate additional locations in Rochester, New Hampshire, and Revere, Massachusetts.

Altogether, these four dealerships, featuring Harley-Davidson motorcycles, merchandise, parts, and accessories, are part of the New England Motorcycle Group.

This move presents an opportunity for more space and a fresh beginning for the dealership, as the Portland rental was becoming inadequate for the business.

As a result, Contois and Lillie opted to purchase and renovate a new site, with over a year spent in search of the ideal location.

“The design flow is better,” remarked Contois. “This store is essentially a large box, making it much easier for us to organize.”

The store’s design will follow a template from a Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, which includes guidelines for both exterior and interior styles, along with specific signage requirements and finishing details for both inside and outside.

Interior demolition of the building is anticipated to commence soon.

Contois expressed optimism about moving in by the end of October.

The existing staff will remain intact, with 15 employees transferring from Portland.

Overall investment for the new site, including property acquisition, is projected to be around $7 million.

Contois is optimistic about the relocation, citing license registration data indicating that numerous riders reside in the Gorham region, which is more conveniently located for riding compared to their current site.

“When you think about it, riders typically don’t take their motorcycles into downtown Portland,” he said.

“Usually, those who live in Portland prefer to ride into the surrounding areas.”

Jensen noted: “The roads in that area offer safer riding conditions than those in Portland.”

“This provides us the chance to appeal to younger individuals in their mid-20s to early 30s.”

From the town’s perspective, the arrival of this business in Gorham is also a positive development.

Jensen added: “This area has excellent visibility for businesses.

“Big Moose, in particular, will greatly enhance the curb appeal.”