Lexington County, South Carolina, September 12, 2025
News Summary
HLC, a prominent distributor of bicycles and accessories in North America, has decided to close its distribution center in Lexington County, South Carolina. This closure, part of a strategy to consolidate operations, follows similar moves in Pennsylvania and Texas, allowing HLC to focus on its distribution center in Nevada and streamline its product offerings. Despite the closure, HLC assures customers that delivery services across North America will continue. The decision reflects HLC’s adaptation to changing industry dynamics while maintaining quality for its remaining brands.
Lexington, South Carolina – HLC to Close Distribution Center
HLC, a major distributor of bicycles, parts, and accessories across North America, has announced the closure of its distribution center located in Lexington County, South Carolina. This significant decision follows decades of operation since the facility opened in 1996.
The closure is part of a broader strategy to consolidate operations, focusing on the company’s distribution center in Sparks, Nevada. Industry shifts have prompted HLC to streamline its offerings, centering operations on premium road, mountain, and gravel products.
While details regarding which specific brands will be discontinued have not been disclosed, HLC indicated it plans to reduce the overall number of brands they distribute. The company is ensuring customers that despite the closure of the Lexington facility, it will maintain its delivery services, which include one- and two-day shipping across North America.
In recent months, HLC has initiated similar closures, including distribution centers in Pennsylvania and Texas earlier in 2023. The changes are partly attributed to a strategic reevaluation following HLC’s acquisition by private equity firm MiddleGround Capital in 2022. Currently, the company operates two distribution centers in addition to the one in Nevada: one in Quebec City, Montreal, Canada.
HLC plans to shift its focus on providing more attention to each of its remaining brands while diversifying its product portfolios. This operational change is hailed as a necessary evolution for HLC, as it aims to strengthen relationships with remaining brand partners and enhance service delivery to customers.
The closure of the Lexington distribution center marks a notable transition for HLC, with the company expressing appreciation for the long-standing relationships built throughout its years of operation. As the company moves forward, the focus will remain on efficiency and responsiveness to the changing market dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is HLC closing its Lexington distribution center?
The closure is part of a strategy to consolidate operations with HLC’s Nevada distribution center, allowing for a focus on premium products and improved service delivery.
2. When did the Lexington facility first open?
The distribution center in Lexington County opened in 1996 and has been in operation for over two decades.
3. What plans does HLC have following the closure?
HLC plans to maintain delivery services throughout North America and focus on fewer brands to enhance quality and attention to its remaining offerings.
4. What other closures has HLC experienced recently?
In addition to the Lexington facility, HLC has also closed distribution centers in Pennsylvania and Texas in 2023.
5. Who owns HLC?
HLC was acquired by MiddleGround Capital, a private equity firm, in 2022.
Key Features of HLC’s Operational Changes
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Closure Location | Lexington County, South Carolina |
| Initial Opening | 1996 |
| Consolidated Operations | Sparks, Nevada Distribution Center |
| Delivery Service | One- and two-day shipping across North America |
| Recent Closures | Distribution centers in Pennsylvania and Texas in 2023 |
| Ownership | MiddleGround Capital, 2022 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Bicycle Industry
- Bicycle Retailer
- Google Search: HLC closing distribution center
- Cycle News
- Google Scholar: Bicycle Distribution Centers
- Columbia Business Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bicycle
- The BayNet
- Google News: Bicycle Distribution News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
