Modern Vespa

Rode by a Vespa Dealer in Clearwater on Missouri Ave. that had all Vespa signage removed. Place was in shambles. What a shame! Must be the economy.

Strange a first time poster would select this topic as a first post?

Shame if it's true. I've actually been there a few times. They had the doors locked 1/2 the time and you had to go next door to the car dealer to get them to come open the doors.

They had a lot of product, and seemingly no business. That one was just a few miles from our place in Florida. Now if my parents or I need emergency work done etc....we have a hike. The next closest in St. Pete closed its doors too.




When I went to their site they have this banner. Can we get a confirmation they are actually closed.

http://www.vespaclearwater.com/

What's new at Vespa Clearwater...

Has Your Dealership Closed?

Vespa Clearwater would like to welcome any new customers who have recently learned of their Vespa dealership closing. Vespa Clearwater / Universal Motors of Clearwater is a completely independent franchised dealer for Piaggio and Vespa brand scooters. We have been in business for over 30 years, in the same location, and are family owned and operated. We're not a big shop, we don't sell motorcycles, and we think this is the kind of personal attention that Vespa customers deserve.

Rest assured that we are commited to the Vespa and Piaggio line of products and plan to continue servicing the Tampa Bay community for years to come.

Do You Need Service?

We do full service for Vespa, Piaggio, and most makes of scooters and motorcycles. You can schedule an appointment by calling (we're currently requiring at least two days notice) and for most basic maintenance you can wait on it. If you want to go get lunch or ride around the beach while we service your scooter, scooter rentals are available at a reduced rate. If you do not have an appointment, turn around time for service is generally next day.

We Will Pickup

Every Vespa and Piaggio scooters comes with a standard year of road side assistance which includes transportation for your scooter to the dealership (some distance limits apply). For those who are no longer under warranty, we offer very resonable pick up and delivery rates throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

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Don't know if this is related to the original post.
http://2strokebuzz.com/2010/08/20/scooter-superstore-and-the-beginning-of-the-end

Scooter_superstore was owned by Peter, an amazing scooter guy for decades who passed away a few months ago.

It appears he was the only principal of this entire operation hence the bankruptcy precedings begin. Sadly this specific case may not be market related as they did a very good business however it appears nobody can fill Peter's shoes.

Very sad indeed.

SDG

Here is a link to the story of Peter's passing. I had a nice conversation with him at Lacosta last fall in Carlsbad. He was a teacher about scooters to whoever would listen, I learned a lot from him about the industry.

http://www.rvbusiness.com/2010/06/warrick-founded-southeast-publications-usa-inc/

Best,
SDG

From what I gather, the bankruptcy is to protect the business during the probate and hand over of the assets from Peter to Wally. Time will tell, but I suspect they'll come out alright, just a little leaner. I expect them to shed at least one of the under performing stores, probably 3.

Like SDG, I've met Peter several times, and the guy loved scooters, and anything else with a motor, but especially scooters.