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Council approves Tractor Supply Company plan

Posted 9/24/14

The Town Council gave a unanimous green light to Tractor Supply Company in its effort to build a retail store in Fountain Hills.

At its Sept. 18 regular session the council approved a development …

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Council approves Tractor Supply Company plan

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The Town Council gave a unanimous green light to Tractor Supply Company in its effort to build a retail store in Fountain Hills.

At its Sept. 18 regular session the council approved a development agreement that will allow the store’s construction on a 4-acre site at Monterey Drive and Shea Boulevard.

From the town’s perspective, construction can begin as soon as a building permit is issued. Indications are the company will not waste time.

Ralph Ronalter, developer for the project, told the council Tractor Supply Company opened its first store in Arizona in Prescott Valley just about two years ago. He said there are currently 18 stores already open or under construction in the state.

Nationwide, Tractor Supply has more than 1,400 stores. One of the newest opened near the Mesa/Apache Junction border just about a month ago. Ultimately there will be about 26 stores in Arizona. Ronalter said the company is also obtaining a site for a store in Payson.

“(Tractor Supply) is very pleased with the performance of the Arizona stores,” Ronalter said.

Based on a simple split of revenue from all stores Tractor Supply generates about $3 million to $3.5 million per year in sales at each store, according to Ronalter. He said the Arizona locations are exceeding that and predicted Fountain Hills could reach or exceed $4 million.

“The stores do not necessarily have a lot of traffic,” Ronalter said. “We are a destination where there are fewer customers, but larger receipts.”

The Fountain Hills retail store is planned for 21,702 square feet with a 1,250-square-foot hay barn or forage shed.

Tractor Supply Company hires about 16-17 people locally with managers trained and transferred within the company, according to Ronalter.

Contrary to a popular misconception, Ronalter said Tractor Supply Company does not sell tractors.

“They have just about anything that would go on or behind (a tractor),” Ronalter said.

Stores have a large area for equestrian supplies and gear. They also have a lot of feed for pets and livestock. The stores also stock welding equipment and supplies, farm and ranch hardware and household goods.

The clothing area is also popular in the stores with rugged footwear and apparel, according to Ronalter.

Council members thanked the Tractor Supply team for their cooperation with staff and neighbors and welcomed them to the town.