The march towards a UK dealer landscape dominated by one-brand outlets continued last month, as Laguna opened a new Triumph-only store in Maidstone to go with its Ashford Triumph store. The launch event was well attended, as bikers took advantage of the good weather, a free barbecue, coffee, and even a glass of Prosecco, to celebrate the opening. Triumph UK supported the opening with goody bags, display bikes and staffing, and there was a lively, positive buzz about the place, helped by support from Nevis Marketing and MotoDirect with the Shark and Arai helmet service teams on duty.
“I’ve worked here for 43 years,” MD Andrew Pearce said on the day. “It’s a family business which started in 1981. We love motorbikes. We just enjoy what we do!”
Pearce admitted that setting up the new location had been a lot of work, particularly during Covid-19 with its impact on building material supply, costs and staffing. “We started during Covid. It wasn’t easy, but everybody was in the same boat. You just had to fight your way through it.
“It’s been a long time in the planning, we’d had discussions with Triumph, and we wanted to have a solus store. We’ve got Laguna Ashford, so we understand how it works; the team are focused on that one brand. So yes, we’re really pleased it’s all come together, and we’ve finally got it open.”
