Tractor Supply stores to remain open as an ‘essential, needs-based retailer’
Tractor Supply Company is committed to keeping its stores open during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Brentwood, Tenn.-based retailer sells “essential” items for the rural lifestyle, ranging from animal feed, livestock and pet medicines to agricultural supplies, and heating fuel along with hardware and maintenance supplies. Starting on March 22, Tractor Supply stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, until further notice.
The retailer is also making an investment to enhance customer service in store through additional store labor hours and increasing its inventory of animal feed and pet food.
“We are in unprecedented times, and our customers’ ability to take care of their families, property and animals remains essential,” said Hal Lawton, Tractor Supply president and CEO. “We know that our customers count on us to help take care of their family, land, animals and pets.”
Lawton noted that, as the largest seller of bagged livestock and equine feed in the U.S., along with significant companion animal food sales, “our customers view Tractor Supply as critical to feeding and caring for their animals and pets, just as the grocery store is to their families’ needs.”
The company, with 1,844 locations in 49 states, is continuing its “Buy Online, Pickup in Store” option, allowing customers to grab their orders within one hour. Tractor Supply said the policy also ensures that products are in stock and ready to go before a customer makes a trip to the store. In the meantime, stores are conducting extra daily cleanings.
Tractor Supply is extending its paid sick leave for full-time and part-time team members affected by illness. Beginning last week, all team members can receive up to an additional two weeks of paid sick leave.
Team members who self-report contagious, flu or COVID-19 symptoms that keep them out of work; are part of a mandated or self-imposed quarantine; are impacted by the temporary closing of a location due to the outbreak; or have a confirmed case of COVID-19 will continue to be paid during that time.
“As always, health and safety are our top priority, and our team members continue to be passionate about serving our customers,” Lawton said. “With this extension of paid sick leave, we want to take care of our team members, so they, in turn, can take care of our customers.”
Tractor Supply Company also operates 180 Petsense stores in 26 states.
This article originally appeared on hbsdealer.com.