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A FAN-FAVORITE Harley-Davidson dealership is closing in just days, leaving customers scrambling to visit before the doors shut forever.
The shop is offering a slew of sales in its final days – including deals of up to 75% off.
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The final day in business for the New York City Harley-Davidson dealership will be September 28.
“While it’s never easy to close the doors of a legacy dealership, we are confident that the established dealers in the New York area will continue to deliver a premium customer experience for our customers,” Paul Veracka, owner of New York City Harley-Davidson in Long Island City, said in a message posted to the shop’s website.
Veracka cited “current economic conditions and limited real estate options to relocate to” as reasons behind the closure.
September 28 will be the final day for motorcycle sales and all retail purchases.
READ MORE ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON
The shop’s service department will continue on all open work orders via appointment through October 5, Veracka noted.
“We understand consolidating New York City H-D comes as a surprise and disappointment to many of our loyal customers,” Veracka continued.
“As a family-operated dealership, we recognize the time it takes to build strong relationships and foster community.
“While there will no longer be a Harley-Davidson store in Long Island City, NY, the remaining local Harley-Davidson dealers in the area will be able to provide the highest quality service to all members of the Harley-Davidson community for many years to come.”
As part of its final offering to customers, the Harley-Davidson dealership is having a pre-owned sale.
They will consider “all reasonable offers” on pre-owned motorcycles.
On top of that, they’re offering $0 down, low APR rates, and up to a $2,000 customization credit on some new 2023 models.
Shoppers looking to score Harley-Davidson apparel can save up to 75% in-store through Saturday as well.
The store will remain open until 9 pm on Saturday.
‘WHAT HAPPENED?’
Harley-Davidson has over 1,400 independently owned dealerships across the globe.
But several closures similar to New York have been announced in recent months.
The Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida shut for good on September 1.
The closure leaves only two dealerships for the 600,000 residents of Brevard County.
And weeks earlier, San Francisco’s historic Harley-Davidson dealership shut after 110 years in business.
New York City Harley-Davidson Owner’s Closure Statement
Paul Veracka, owner of New York City Harley-Davidson, shared the following statement on the dealership’s website announcing its impending closure:
“It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that New York City Harley-Davidson in Long Island City, NY will be closing its doors for good due to current economic conditions and limited real estate options to relocate to. While it’s never easy to close the doors of a legacy dealership, we are confident that the established dealers in the New York area will continue to deliver a premium customer experience for our customers. In an effort to make this transition as smooth as possible, Empire Harley-Davidson and Nassau County Harley-Davidson have agreed to honor all New York City H-D gift cards and VIP services.
“New York City Harley-Davidson will be closing its front doors on Saturday, September 28th. The service department will continue to operate working to complete all open service work orders through Saturday, October 5th.
“We understand consolidating New York City H-D comes as a surprise and disappointment to many of our loyal customers. As a family operated dealership, we recognize the time it takes to build strong relationships and foster community. While there will no longer be a Harley-Davidson store in Long Island City, NY, the remaining local Harley-Davidson dealers in the area will be able to provide the highest quality service to all members of the Harley-Davidson community for many years to come.
“We want to thank all of our loyal customers, community members and our amazing team at New York City H-D for all the support throughout the years. Thank you for the loyalty to our team, dealership and the Harley-Davidson brand. We will always remember the amazing events, great rides and our extended Harley-Davidson family! More details to come shortly.
“See you on the open road!”
Still, fans were dismayed to learn of the legacy dealership’s impending closure.
“Harley is that broke it can’t finance a legacy dealership? I’m sorry that absolutely pitiful!” someone commented on the dealership’s Facebook post.
“NYC without Harley dealer is a bummer,” another wrote.
“Pretty rare for a Harley dealer to close anywhere, particularly in such a dense urban area. What happened?” someone else wondered.
“Wow, the times they are a changing!” another fan noted.
“When we visited New York, we made it a point to stop in the dealership! We really enjoyed the staff and friendly atmosphere!” another shopper wrote.
“It’s sad to see yet another dealership close its doors.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to New York City Harley-Davidson in Long Island City for comment.
