John Allen, Harmon Executive Vice President, said he and others have taken the news pretty hard.
“This store has been here for 70 years. This is a viable store and if not, it would be our decision to make,” Allen said.
The North Main Street dealership employees 35 people who must now look for work elsewhere.
Allen said the dealership will be open until the end of the year and must liquidate its inventory.
“I’ve got millions of dollars worth of new Cadillacs sitting outside and somebody’s going to be able to buy those cars at an excellent price,” Allen said.
Vehicle warranties will still be honored by other local Cadillac dealers.
The news came as a shock to neighbors of the dealership. Muhamed Tayeh, manager of Russ’s Market, across the street from Harmon, said he feels bad for the employees at the dealership.
Tayeh said the move will hurt his business as well. Allen said General Motors is closing many dealerships in urban areas across the nation.
He said GM wants to create a new network of dealers with more control over local operations.
Allen said the lasting impact for consumers is that there will be less competition and car prices will rise.
Jim.otte@whiotv.com