Rommel Harley-Davidson will open a 20,800-square-foot store on North Salisbury Boulevard this spring, taking up about one-third of the former Gander Mountain sporting goods building.

A couple of days before it opens, the Seaford Harley-Davidson store will close and relocate to Salisbury, Brad Hopkins, Rommel’s President, told the Salisbury Independent this week.

A soft-opening will be followed by a grand opening for the public.

The request to occupy the building and construct as necessary were approved by the Wicomico County Planning & Zoning Commission last Thursday. Rommel now needs building and signage permit approval from the county.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity. We think it will not only enhance the Salisbury community but also enhance our business opportunities,” Hopkins said.

“We are very pleased with the reception we received from the mayor and all the elected officials and the Planning and Zoning Commission,” he said.

Along with motorcycles, Rommel Harley-Davidson will have a full line of merchandise, including clothing, gifts and souvenirs, service and dealership departments.

The business will employ about 30 people, with many transferring to the Salisbury location and possible new hires, Hopkins said.

Last year, a bill was passed in the Maryland General Assembly permitting the sale of motorcycles on Sundays in Wicomico County, as is permitted in Worcester County and Delaware.

Mayor Jake Day called Harley-Davidson a “world renowned and well-known American brand.”

“I’m glad to see them add to the richness and diversity of our market here in Salisbury,” he mayor said.

“In the midst of changing retail landscapes and with Maryland’s most rapidly appreciating commercial real estate market, it’s no surprise -- yet great news -- to see another space occupied by a new business.

“I welcome their construction, their employees and their visitors and shoppers to our city,” Day said.

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. opened in 1903 and will celebrate 116 years in business in 2019.