Tractor Supply: More than just Products for the Rural Lifestyle WRITTEN BY: DAINA LARKIN
Orange is represented by a farmer — the silhouette of a man on a plow lead by oxen. The image chosen as the town’s seal that you’ve seen on signs, documents and buildings. The town’s rich agricultural history is celebrated annually at the County Fair, and the population is alive with outdoorsmen, both professional and hobbyist. It’s a perfect fit for Tractor Supply Company, which opened its new store on 253 Indian River Road in September. The store stocks a wide array of products, from welders and power generators to animal care products and men’s and women’s workwear. You can find dog, cat and pet supplies, lawn and garden supplies, riding lawn mowers, propane and heating supplies, power tools and much more. Among the staff are farmers, horse owners, welders and other professionals who bring years of practice and experience to work each day.
farmers. Today, it’s the largest retailer of rural lifestyle products in the nation, with more than 1,550 stores in 49 states. It aims to be the most dependable supplier of basic
maintenance products to home, land, pet and animal owners. While it’s a haven for farmers, anyone can visit Tractor Supply to meet the needs for gardening, fencing, tools and more.
In addition to products of the rustic lifestyle, the store sells items one might not imagine at a store of this type. Steve Sipos, the store manager, says “Customers are very surprised when they walk in and see products they didn’t expect.” A display of stylish sunglasses, a stocked rack full of candy, or products for the home such as scented candles—all items the store’s name doesn’t represent. The company originated in Minot, North Dakota in 1938, formed as a mail order catalog business offering tractor parts to America’s family
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