Editor’s note: Tractor Supply Co. hours are Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tractor Supply Co. Manager Mike Everly met his goal “for a November 30, opening,” on Small Business Saturday. Also, the store opened on time at 6:00 a.m.; closing would be at 9:00 p.m. The location is 15700 E. Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL.
“Our Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be Saturday, January 4, 2025.” On Tuesday, November 12, the Manager had stated, “At 21,702 square feet, we are bigger than the Dixon[, IL,] store,” where he was Assistant Manager. “This is a prototype for Tractor Supply. This is a fancy store!”
He had not exaggerated. Pam’s Perks Coffee Shop was parked for shoppers to enjoy a warm beverage in the 11° morning. Outside were six sizes of log splitters; parking reserved for “Veterans and Military Personnel Only” and “Van Accessible Parking;” snow blowers; lawn grooming equipment. Near the entrance, fresh-cut Fraser Fir wreathes were on sale, like nearly everything on this weekend. Inside you could buy hyacinths in glass vases to brighten the winter; ball caps; outer wear; cozy throws; tires in many sizes.
Everly pointed out the special signage at the Checkout station. “We did this design with the Covered Bridge for Morrison,” because it is an iconic structure in the area. There is an adjacent self checkout station. Now through December 15, at checkout shoppers can donate to fund 4-H campers. Gift cards are available, too.
Black Friday deals on toys were a near-sell-out: “Buy One Get One 50% Off While Supplies Last. No rainchecks. Excludes Ride On Toys.” Everly held an animal pillow in the toy aisle. He said weekly deliveries will allow restocking soon.
The Editor especially observed numerous products that now can be purchased in Morrison. That generates local sales tax revenue. Add to that, the wide variety of items within a product line. For example, choosing a bird feeder and seed took over half an hour! There were several combinations of seed attractive to specific birds. Customers can purchase large bags of one kind of seed or design their own blend. The same can be said about animal/pet feed or three kinds of animal bedding to mix and match.
Specially priced merchandise included the “mountain of Blackstone 4-burner griddles;” cargo boxes; gun safes; air compressor; pellet stoves; a gas-powered Go Kart and Mini Bike; mechanic’s tool chest.
Inside the Pet Washing Station–a glass-enclosed room with two bays–Nichole and Todd Murphy of Prophetstown, IL, introduced four-year-old Colt to the space and ramp into the washing area. Their Labradoodle will receive a wash in the future. The fee is $9.99 with supplies, nail trimmers, towels, and dryers furnished. If customers join the free, “TSC Neighbor’s Club” point rewards plan, their fourth wash is free. Nichole’s niece, Team Member Taylor Grass, of Prophetstown, had described the new store. The Murphys were “looking for a new collar.”
Two hours after her arrival, a Team Member scanned the Editor’s purchases. Left-to-right are Mackenzie Lindsay, Grass, and Carolann Manon. They were excited that Tractor Supply Co. was open.
