Brandt’s Harley Davidson, a 62-year-old Wabash business, opened the Brandt’s I-69 Harley Davidson store at Interstate 69 and Ind. 18 in Marion.
The first day of business was Monday, and there will be a grand opening Saturday. General Manager Chuck “Chappy” Chapman said it was good luck to learn of Marion’s Harley-Davidson roots after they decided to locate in the city.
“We’re going to play up on that a lot — our cards, our advertising, with Marion being the ‘Home of the Hog,’” Chapman said. “To us, it’s perfect.”
Marion had its first Hog Daze Night celebration in September. Organizers touted the 90th anniversary of the Marion International Motorcycle Race, where the first Harley victory lap with a live pig took place.
Chapman said Brandt’s had decided to locate in Marion before plans for the celebration took place, but he said it’s a “perfect part of the picture” for the business to locate in Grant County. He said they hope to be active in the community, not only with Hog Daze Night, but with other motorcycle and community events.
The store, 6333 E. Stelzer Drive, is 20,000 square feet, and offers new and used motorcycles, service, clothing, parts, accessories, home décor and more.
It’s located on the southwest side of the highway intersection, where Stone’s motorcycle dealership once was.
“This had been an existing Harley shop for a few years, so it’s been a good location,” Chapman said, adding that those traveling the highway would likely stop in.
“We pull a lot of people from Grant County there (in Wabash); we even have some from the Muncie area,” he added.
Michelle Bunker, chief operating officer for the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, said she was looking forward to the ribbon-cutting event Monday.
“I think it’s exciting,” she said of the new business. “I definitely think that it’s a need in our community.”
Bunker said the fact that the store is opening in the city with Harley roots will help in marketing, not only for the store, but for the city. She said it will bring in business and tourists year-round.
Chapman said Saturday’s grand opening events will include food, military-related appreciation events and a Toys for Tots drive. He said they plan to have food at the store on Saturdays regularly, as weather allows. |
