Smith looks forward to Tractor Supply grand opening
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Spring is here and with it comes thoughts of yard work, gardening an other outdoor activities; and what better place to pick up all the supplies you’ll need than at the new Tractor Supply Co. store located at 23 Houlton Rd.
Store Manager Keith Smith was on hand on Saturday, March 20, to greet customers during the facility’s first official day of business.
“Business has been good, with a steady flow of customers,” said Smith, as he welcomed people at the front door.
Tractor Supply Company is the largest retail farm and ranch supply store chain in the United States and has been operating in Maine since 2007. The Presque Isle branch is the latest addition to the Maine list of store that includes locations in Skowhegan, Augusta, Lewiston, Oxford and Scarborough. It is also the most northerly. The company specializes in supplying yard and garden equipment and accessories, tools, pet supplies, clothing and children’s toys.
“We think it’s a good fit for the area,” said Smith.
Since joining the company in April 2008, Smith has served as assistant store manager at the Merrimack, N.H., facility and store manager at the Gorham, N.H., location. Before Tractor Supply, he worked as an assistant manager at Sears and then owned a landscape design company called Aspen Landscaping.
“Keith grew up on a dairy farm in western Massachusetts, owns horses and is active in outdoor activities, so he is a great resource for customers,” said District Manager Brian Parker. “He has put together a talented and knowledgeable team, which will be a huge asset to our store.”
In his new position, Parker said Smith will oversee all store operations, including receiving, inventory control and merchandising, as well as customer and team member relations.
Saturday’s opening is considered a ‘soft’ opening. The official grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 27, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We’re pleased to be open and welcome customers,” said Smith. “We look forward to serving our neighbors in Presque Isle and the surrounding communities.”
The new store has 19,097 square feet, including a sales floor and support service space. A fenced exterior space offers a display area for items such as fencing, sprayers and livestock equipment. The business also carries lawn and garden tractors. The store currently employs 15 full- and part-time employees.
To mark the occasion, customers will receive discounts off purchases and be able to enter drawings for a variety of giveaways, including the chance to win a $250 Tractor Supply Co. gift card, $150 in clothing, $150 in power tools and $150 in pet/animal/bird feed. Free hats will be given out, Saturday only, while supplies last. Those visiting the store can also enter to win a 42-inch Huskee lawn tractor or a 28cc 17-inch straight-cut trimmer.
Business hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, contact 764-9900.
KEITH SMITH has been named the manager of Tractor Supply Co., located at 23 Houlton Road in Presque Isle.
