Longtime Indiana Harley-Davidson dealer to close after 47 years
Another longtime Harley dealer is closing its doors. Benson Motorcycles, a Harley-Davidson dealership in Muncie, Indiana, will permanently close Oct. 31 after 47 years in business, citing mounting economic pressures facing brick-and-mortar retailers.
The dealership announced its plans in a social media post, identifying “rising costs, lower margins and online shopping” as factors behind the decision. The business said the current environment has made it increasingly challenging for traditional retail stores to compete.
“It’s a hard thing to do, but it is what it is in today’s economy,” Jason Schultz, the dealership’s general manager and a 25-year employee, told WTHR-TV in Indianapolis.
Owned by Phil Benson, the dealership operated on South Madison Street before moving to its current location at 6410 W. McGalliard Road on Muncie’s northwest side. According to the report, the dealership’s 23 employees were informed of the closure several weeks before the announcement. Approximately 10 employees remained at the time of the report.
Despite the impending closure, the dealership hosted a customer appreciation event, dubbed the “Last Bash,” on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event included live music, food trucks and special pricing on licensed merchandise.
In its announcement, Benson Motorcycles thanked its customers for their support throughout the dealership’s nearly five decades in business, emphasizing the relationships built with riders and the local motorcycle community.
“It’s your dedication, support and love of motorcycles that has been a huge driving factor behind our business,” the post stated. “We have many wonderful memories to look back on and have made many good friends during our time here.”
The closure adds to the challenges facing established powersports retailers as operating costs, margin pressures and changing consumer shopping habits continue to influence dealership operations.
