A NEW Harley-Davidson outlet is on the way in a New York city, but customers won’t be able to leave with a new motorcycle.
Supporters of the iconic brand have criticized the new store as “strange,” yet the owner has a distinct reason for not offering the beloved bikes.
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3Gutman has secured a prime downtown retail location to launch a Harley-Davidson store in Rochester, located about an hour and a half east of Buffalo.
This unique shop will exclusively offer Harley merchandise, including stickers, shirts, and hats, but it will not sell motorcycles.
The reason behind this is that Gutman already owns a nearby dealership and wanted to establish the store to promote his other business.
The motorbike enthusiast intends to showcase a gleaming bike in the center of the store as an eye-catching display. However, to actually test drive one, customers will have to go to his dealership.
With the store situated in a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, Gutman is optimistic that more visitors will stop by to check out his motorcycles.
“I aimed to make the dealership more prominent,” he shared with the Post Bulletin.
“Being downtown with Harley-Davidson prominently displayed on First Avenue gives us the chance to announce Harley is in town.”
Gutman is eager to get the store open quickly and hopes it will be operational by the end of December.
He has also devised an innovative promotional strategy to encourage people to check out his motorcycles.
Anyone interested in visiting Gutman’s dealership will receive an Uber ride directly to its front door.
“If you want to view bikes, we’ll arrange an Uber for you,” said the enthusiastic entrepreneur.
Originally from Rochester, Gutman now resides 11 hours away in Effingham, Illinois, where he acquired his first Harley dealership.
Nevertheless, he has always fantasized about owning and managing a shop in his hometown.
Upon the previous owners’ decision to sell, they reached out to Gutman and expressed their satisfaction in handing it over to him.
Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024
There are more than 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.
However, several stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024, often without explanation.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shut down this year and the reasons behind their closures:
The San Francisco location ceased operations in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ stemming from new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September with no reason provided.
Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City shut down on September 28, with the owner citing economic challenges.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October after the owners transferred ownership to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Furthermore, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
Harley fans were thrilled about the news of the upcoming store, but some found the concept slightly odd.
“It’s a fascinating idea, and I genuinely hope he succeeds,” noted one driver on Facebook.
“It certainly appears to be an unusual choice at first glance.”
Another fan commented that it’s a fantastic option for patients visiting the town’s large Mayo Clinic hospital to grab a souvenir.
“This is bound to be a hit,” expressed a different motorbike enthusiast.
“We visit a Harley shop wherever we travel.
“We will definitely stop by next time we’re in Rochester.”
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