There are also sections dedicated to automotive, welding, grilling, hunting and fishing supplies. “We cover every aspect of every customer’s needs, said David Pfeiffer, the store’s manager.
Rural King also offers clothing, fencing, pet food and pet products, baby chicks for 4-H projects and even a selection of “classic” toys, including Wiffle balls, hula hoops, John Deere ride-ons and farm-life action figures from Schleich.
Outside the store, customers can select from a variety of nursery items, including shrubs and trees.
The store’s selection will change each quarter to reflect not only what’s in season, but also what’s popular among customers.
“We’re suiting our product line to fit the community,” Pfeiffer said. “We don’t track it by marketing programs, we just notice what they’re buying. Being the small company that we are, we have the flexibility to react quicker than our larger competition does.”
Part of that flexibility includes a small-engine repair section, he said.
“We work on what we sell and other people’s stuff, too,” Pfeiffer said. “When we sell you the tractor, you’re dealing with us, not a third party.”
Gordon Goble of Hamilton, who made his first visit to the store Tuesday, said he didn’t expect the store to be as large as it is, let alone offer such a wide selection of items.
“It’s really nice. They have a good variety,” he said.
James Province of Hamilton agreed. “This is a big store,” Province said as he perused the hunting section. “They’ve got about anything.”
The store is the fifth Ohio location for Illinois-based Rural King, which has 54 stores nationwide, according to Rob Patterson, the company’s vice president of operations. A new location is scheduled to open Friday in Circleville.
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