Tractor Supply Company plans to open a store in late July in northwest Duval County, attracted to the area by recreational and horse farmers and customers who need lawn, garden and related products.
The company is based in Brentwood, Tenn., and reports it operates more than 1,085 stores, including locations in Orange Park and St. Augustine, in 44 states.
At that size, Tractor Supply said it is the largest operator of retail farm and ranch stores in the country “focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers.”
It also targets the maintenance needs of rural homeowners, tradesman and small businesses.
The City issued a permit Friday for DiMare Construction Co. to build the 18,800-square-foot store at 9025 New Kings Road, near Interstate 295. The project cost is listed at $1.4 million.
Tractor Supply spokesman Rob Hoskins said in an email that stores typically employ 12-17 full-time and part-time employees.
“As a growth-minded company, Tractor Supply Company is always looking for potential new store locations that are a good fit as far as the target market is concerned,” Hoskins said.
“Concerning the location in Jacksonville, this is especially true in that the area was attractive due to the part-time and hobby farmers, and horse owners in the area,” he said.
Hoskins said the company’s product focus includes lawn and garden as well as animal care products that service the needs of the targeted customers.
The company’s website, www.TractorSupply.com, reports that stores are located in towns outlying to major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.
It says the company sells equine, pet and small animal products, including items for their health, care, growth and containment; hardware, truck, towing and tool products; seasonal products, including lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; and work and recreational clothing and footwear.
The company was started in 1938 as a mail-order tractor parts business and served the needs of farmers and ranchers near Minot, N.D.
For 2011, it reported that net sales rose 16.2 percent to $4.23 billion from $3.64 billion in 2010. Net income rose 33 percent to $222.7 million from $168 million. Fiscal 2011 was 53 weeks vs. 52 weeks for 2010.
Tractor Supply expects to open up to 95 stores this year.
According to its website, the company has 38 stores in Florida.
356-2466