Columbus store to host grand opening Saturday, June 2

COLUMBUS — Customers were standing outside the new Tractor Supply Company store in Columbus before it opened Saturday morning, said store manager Thomas Belshaw.

“They were lined up halfway through the store on multiple occasions,” he said.

The shop had its soft opening Saturday morning. The store, located at the old Bi-Lo supermarket  on 651 W. Mills St. off Highway 108, will have a grand opening on Saturday, June 2.

“I don’t think there was a section of the store that people didn’t buy in today,” Belshaw said about the soft open. “The community seems happy to have us, and we’re happy to be here.”

Saturday’s customers not only included folks from the immediate area, such as Columbus and Landrum, but also people as far away as Forest City, Inman and Campobello.

“I don’t have to drive to Hendersonville anymore,” said Landrum resident Patty Ward.

The store is laid out with the company’s new, more open concept, Belshaw said.

It has a 30,584 square-foot retail space with a sales floor, an external support area and a pet wash station. He said they put the feed in the back near the door, which allows for a more open look to the store and makes it easier for the staff to unload.

Though the store had a few deals and discounts on Saturday, such as a markdown on stall mats and birdfeeders, Belshaw said it would have all kinds of deals and giveaways for their grand opening.

“We’ll have vendors out front, giveaways and special events for the June grand opening,” he said.

Belshaw said the store’s staff is comprised of all folks from the Columbus, Tryon and Landrum areas. He added that their horse expert, Jess Smith, was away at a carriage-driving event this past weekend, but will usually be on hand to help the equine community with any supplies they need.

Store hours will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. For more information about Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.