Motorcycle accessory retailer Hein Gericke will be re-launched in the UK after being bought by the German Hein Gericke Group.
The UK arm of Hein Gericke, which was operated separately from its German parent company, went into administration earlier this year.
The new company, known as Hein Gericke Motorcycle Equipment Ltd, will see 16 of 49 stores remain open, with another store in Norwich have already been sold to Infinity Motorcycles. In total, 32 stores will be closed. Stores will remain open in Manchester, Stockwell, Southampton, Edinburgh, Farnborough, Gants Hill, Glasgow, Belfast, Maidstone, Preston, Leicester, Braintree, Aberdeen, Hanger Lane, Oxford and Chiswick.
The UK re-launch is, according to the Hein Gericke Group, “a key element of the restructuring of the parent group (Hein Gericke Germany) which operates in seven European countries”.
“We’re now looking to the future and are pleased to have been able to secure the jobs of the staff in the 16 retained stores,” said UK Managing Director, Christoph Hansen. “We are keen to improve our customer’s in-store experience and secure the future for our loyal customers and the UK team”.
Speaking about the closed stores, Retail and Operations Manager, Alan Cundy, said: “The downturn in the market had affected some geographical regions more than others and we are very sad to see stores close, particularly due to the quality of both the teams and individuals involved.”
Marketing and Communications Manager, Adam Clayton, added: “Operating from 16 stores will allow us to offer a better range of products and means that we will be able to meet our future objectives. Our business principles continue to be based on offering the best selection of clothing and accessories at the best available prices, with the best possible customer service and after sales.”