Clare’s Harley-Davidson of Niagara celebrated its 70th anniversary at the end of March with a packed event — and while it was a happy celebration, it was held amid concerns over U.S. tariffs threatening the stability of local businesses, including its own.
The milestone comes as owner Randy Clare warns looming trade challenges could jeopardize the family-run shop’s future and broader NOTL economy.
“What we’re facing now is probably our largest challenge as a local community small business owner,” said Clare.
A 25 per cent tariff on imported automobiles, including motorcycles, came into effect on April 3, which Clare says has created a great deal of uncertainty in the market.
“It’s such an unknown — nobody knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, next week, or next month with our partnership in the U.S., and we have an election coming up,” he said.
“So, come springtime, summer, hopefully, we’ll have a clearer idea of how my business is going to be.”
The U.S. tariff threat presents unique challenges for small businesses like his, he said, different from the financial stresses and high interest rates of the 2008 and COVID-19 recessions.
“We have many challenges coming up with what the economy may look like given the tariffs from the U.S. — whether it be Clare’s Harley-Davidson, service sector businesses, or manufacturing. That’s going to be the biggest challenge,” said Clare.
On March 29, hundreds attended the York Road dealership’s anniversary party featuring a pop-up tattoo parlour, vendor booths, prize draws and a memorial for founders John and Donna Clare.
John passed away just a few weeks ago, and Donna five months earlier.
In 1955, 22-year-old John Clare started his motorcycle shop in Fenwick, Ont. The NOTL location on York Road opened in 2008.
Three generations now steer operations: Randy Clare oversees strategy, sister Robin Moreno manages finances, while niece Martha and nephew Taylor handle daily retail and service.
Clare’s Harley-Davidson remains a regional hub selling new and used bikes plus gear, serviced by onsite mechanics, which Clare believes pushes the shop ahead of the competition.
“People come for the experience — you can’t replicate that online.”
