Vespa Hartford – Scooter Centrale Closing

PLAINVILLE, CT – A little more than three years after buying Vespa Hartford – Scooter Centrale, owner Dr. Mike Maroon is closing the scooter dealership. In a message posted on the store’s website, Maroon said, “Unforeseen business developments have transpired that make it impossible for us to continue to operate the business successfully.”

Maroon said that “with deep regret and sadness” the store will close May 15. All new vehicles have already been sold, but some pre-owned models remain. Apparel and accessories are being discounted.

The showroom “will be open with limited hours” until the store closes but the service department will have regular hours through May 15.

In his message, Maroon said, “I’d like to take the opportunity to personally thank everyone who has supported our dealership through the years … I can assure you the scooter community is very much alive in Connecticut and we’re proud to have played a part in cultivating it.”

Maroon, a dentist from Berlin, CT, purchased Vespa Hartford – Scooter Centrale from Doug and Sue Day. The deal closed on March 1, 2013. The dealership has sold Vespa, Piaggio, Genuine and Kymco scooters.

His goal at the time was to sell “quality scooters, reasonably priced.” One aspect that surprised him after taking over was the gap between what he pays for a scooter and what he sells it for. “Everybody thinks there’s a lot of mark-up. There isn’t a lot of wiggle room,” he said.

In June 2013, Vespa Hartford – Scooter Centrale was the starting point for the 5th annual Mods V Rockers rally staged by the CT Rockers motorcycle club. Some of the club’s members are lineup up in the parking lot beside the dealership in the picture below.