Tractor Supply company comes to Lakeside area

The new store had been open only minutes and Manager David Lizarraga is still putting out some small fires. He’s on the phone himself with the corporate offices (the Tractor Supply Company is a national corporation). While waiting on “hold,” there is much activity going on around him. The new store has just unlocked its doors for a “Preview Party,” an early opening for invited guests and community members in general. The crowd alone indicates this business was a long time coming.

The new store had been open only minutes and Manager David Lizarraga is still putting out some small fires. He’s on the phone himself with the corporate offices (the Tractor Supply Company is a national corporation). While waiting on “hold,” there is much activity going on around him. The new store has just unlocked its doors for a “Preview Party,” an early opening for invited guests and community members in general. The crowd alone indicates this business was a long time coming.

The parking lot filled up quickly as a very enthusiastic clientele seemed eager to shop or just look around at the brand-spanking new building and stock. The plentiful and enthusiastic staff was all smiles, polite and helpful to its new customers in the east county area.

Still waiting patiently on the telephone, Lizarraga is approached by a member of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and given an official welcome to the area. Immediately thereafter, a Lakeside chicken farmer plops a basket full of fresh eggs onto the counter in front of the manager, offering another warm welcome. Lizarraga smiles, obviously appreciating the homespun gift and the genuine sentiment from a community member.

Tractor Supply is the largest retail farm and ranch supply store chain in the United States. It has been operating in California since 2004. This new store is the 32^nd such location in the state. With a store already in Ramona (that opened about two years ago), the company had become aware that many of their customers were making the long and slow drive from the Lakeside area to access their rural wares. The addition of a second store targeting this customer base just made sense.

Finally, Lizarraga gets through and is able to solve the minor issue. He passes along the appropriate information and has a moment to talk about his new responsibility. He is pleased with the opening activity.

Lizarraga grew up in the lifestyle of 4-H clubs and FFA clubs. He spent three years at the El Centro store and has a background in retail. He is new to San Diego County.

Community support is obviously a key component in the Tractor Supply business plan. “We want to focus on how much we can give back to the community. We’ll be supporting the local lifestyle, getting involved in FFA fundraising, the 4-H club, supporting the rodeo, and the like.” Good news for local residents.

The Tractor Supply Company likes to refer to itself as a “lifestyle” business, appealing to a rural region. They offer a combination of hardware, truck and trailer parts, farm parts and supplies, pet food and farm animal goods, clothing and boots, gun lockers, and more. They have a price match and a satisfaction guarantee.

The new Tractor Supply Company store is located at 14180 Olde Hwy 80, on the south side of Interstate 8 just east of Lake Jennings Park Road. They’ll be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays.