Dealership/Retail Center Opening Coincides With Harley's 100th Anniversary
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
General Growth Properties (NYSE: GGP), 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 http://www.generalgrowth.com .
SOURCE General Growth Properties, Inc.
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