General Growth Properties Announces Opening of First-Ever Full Service Harley-Davidson Dealership as an Anchor for a Regional Shopping Mall
Dealership/Retail Center Opening Coincides With Harley's 100th Anniversary
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo., May 14 -- General Growth Properties , the country's second largest owner, developer and manager of regional malls, is pleased to announce the opening of the country's only in-mall Harley-Davidson dealership and retail center at White Mountain Mall in Rock Springs, Wyoming. World-famous Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson becomes the first full-service Harley-Davidson dealership located as an anchor in a regional mall. The dealership is owned by David and Lynda Laughlin of Green River, Wyoming.
As customers enter the 45-thousand square foot "Old West"-style dealership, they are greeted by genuine antique wagons and other western memorabilia. Shoppers make their way through the store's 27-thousand square foot retail center, one of the largest in the country, which includes Harley- Davidson clothing and accessories. After winding their way through everything-Harley, relaxing in the H.O.G. room, and touring the wagon spoke wheel bike display, they come to the service center. Harley fans can purchase any version of the Harley they want, in addition to buying parts and accessories for their beloved Hog. A state-of-the-art service department with certified and experienced staff will provide outstanding service for motorcycle customers.
"General Growth is proud to have the first Harley-Davidson dealership located in a regional shopping mall. We are always seeking unique retailers to add to our malls' entertainment and merchandise mix. Successful retail concepts of today, like Harley-Davidson, offer a wide selection of merchandise coupled with a great shopping experience. Consumer research indicates that formula is what appeals most to the diverse consumers of today," said John Bucksbaum, CEO of General Growth Properties.
Locally, the community has applauded the Laughlins' move into White Mountain Mall and the economic development the move has triggered.
"White Mountain Mall is thrilled to have this distinctive anchor opening here. Everyone I have talked to has expressed their excitement for Harley and the growth of White Mountain Mall. This is a great partnership, and a true example of the innovative nature of General Growth," said Angie Eckhardt, property manager, White Mountain Mall. "This is an occasion not only for Sweetwater County, but for the entire state of Wyoming."
Dave and Lynda Laughlin, owners of the newly titled Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson dealership, have owned the dealership (formerly Green River) since 1986. The Harley-Davidson super center is in the heart of Harley Country. Known as "The Friendliest Dealership in the West," Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson plans to promote several motorcycle events annually, including bike rodeos and rallies. The new location is also conveniently located off Interstate 80, passage to Sturgis, South Dakota, one of the nation's largest annual bike rallies. The showroom looks to become a destination point for tourists year round.
"Moving from 8-thousand square feet to 45-thousand square feet will create more customer service opportunities for the Motor Clothes, parts and accessories, and sales departments," said Laughlin. "With such a large area to promote and display merchandise -- Motor Clothes has the opportunity to greatly expand their selection of apparel, Harley-Davidson collectibles, jewelry and, of course, leathers. Parts and accessories can expand and carry needed items that previously had to be special ordered. The sales department, set up like no other, will feature an array of all bike designs, and feature innovative displays of limited edition 100th anniversary motorcycles."
This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. A year-long worldwide celebration has already begun. Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson will also make history as the first full-service Harley- Davidson dealership located in a regional mall.
"We feel this is the perfect time to open our new dealership -- 100 years of Harley-Davidson and a monumental new store," said Laughlin.
Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson will celebrate its grand opening at White Mountain Mall (Rock Springs, WY) Saturday, May 24th, 2003 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon. Rock Springs Mayor Tim Kaumo, along with Chamber Director Dave Hanks, will host the ceremony. Several public officials will be in attendance, including members of the Wyoming Business Council, SWEDA, and the Wyoming governor's office. Events are planned throughout the day, including live music, refreshments, and a drawing for a commemorative 100th Anniversary Harley-Davidson leather jacket.
White Mountain Mall is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc. General Growth Properties is one of the nation's largest shopping center owners, managers and developers. General Growth currently has ownership interest in, or management responsibility for, a portfolio of 160 regional shopping malls in 39 states. The company portfolio totals approximately 141-million square feet of retail space and includes over 16,000 retailers nationwide. A publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), General Growth Properties is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP. For more information on General Growth Properties and its portfolio of malls, please visit the company web site at www.generalgrowth.com .
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