M&P Direct dealership in Gorseinon[/caption]
AN iconic UK motorbike dealership has suddenly closed after nearly five decades.
The dealership in Swansea, Wales, has left customers stunned after pulling down the shutters earlier this week.
M&P Direct in Swansea confirmed its sudden closure earlier this week[/caption]
M&P Direct in Gorseinon has been a popular destination for motorcycle fans for nearly half a century.
Since 1978, the dealership has offered a wide range of bikes, parts, gear and accessories to its customers.
But the company closed without warning earlier this week, confirming the news on social media on Wednesday evening.
They posted a black and white graphic with the M&P logo with the words “1978-2025. Ride in Peace”.
Visitors to the website are currently met with a message stating: “Temporarily closed. Store update in progress. Please check back soon to place your order.”
But they’re listed as permanently closed on Google and their website is not currently accepting new orders.
‘Devastating’
Users flocked to the comments in shock and confusion at the sudden closure.
Hundreds thanked M&P for their service and reflected on their memories of the store.
One user said: “This is actually devastating, M&P has been a big part of the biker community in Wales. Very sorry for those affected, I wish you all the luck.”
“Gutted, I’ve been so lucky to have this on my doorstep since I started out on two wheels in 1979,” added another.
A third posted: “Sorry to hear this. Got my first M&P parts parcel in 1981, and my last just a few weeks ago. Good luck for the future, whatever it may bring.”
One simply said: “A sign of the times”.
According to Swansea Bay News, around 50 staff were informed they were to be made redundant on September 15 after being acquired by an investor group earlier in the year.
They were subsequently let go earlier this week on September 24.
‘A sign of the times’
They’re not the only dealership to announce their sudden closure recently either.
A major UK car dealership also closed without warning leaving local customers stunned by the surprising move.
The beloved site will close its doors for good at the end of September – after its owners said it couldn’t find anywhere else to relocate.
And a major Ford dealership has also closed its doors permanently after more than 20 years and has been put up for sale for a whopping £3.75 million.
After operating the forecourt at Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne, for almost two decades, Ford SMC has now boarded it up.
