Employees of the new Tractor Supply Company store in Westfield line up for the official ribbon cutting at the Grand Opening on Saturday. At right, Karatina, a 2-year-old Sharpei, prepares to experience the pet wash service at the Tractor Supply store in Westfield. Submitted Photo.

WESTFIELD — Judging from the response of both shoppers and employees, there’s been nothing as welcome in Westfield as the new Tractor Supply Company store since the visit from Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

“We’ve had tons of people,” said team leader Vince Cordell. “Everybody I talk to has been absolutely ecstatic.”

His co-worker, lead sales associate Tiffany Edwards, agreed. “It’s been amazing. Everybody is happy it’s here. Hopefully it brings more stores to this area,” she said.

The store, located at 21 Nichols Ave., celebrated its grand opening Saturday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, food vendors, local radio stations, animals, and giveaways. Shoppers from all around the area roamed the aisles throughout the day.

The Westfield store had its “soft opening” on Nov. 9. Amanda Braun, manager of the new store, said the response has been very good. “The neighboring villages have been very excited to have us,” she said. “We’ve had people from Ripley, Brocton, North East, Portland and all around.”

Stacy Stebell came to the store twice during the grand opening. The second time she brought Blue, her 150-pound Great Dane “puppy,” who seemed just as excited as she was.

“I was here this afternoon and bought a bag of dog food and I’m back to buy three more,” she said. “I think it’s going to be wonderful. I hope to see more stores pop up. This is pretty big for Westfield.”

Harvey and Lynda Schang were shopping with their 4-year-old son Mark. “This is a great store for our area,” Lynda said. “We love it!”

Muchell Switzer, who cares for several animals including a goat, a duck, dogs, cats and a horse, said it was great to be able to buy quality feed close to home. “I think it’s awesome to have this in our area,” she said. “I think everybody is going to love it.”

Switzer delivers mail in the area, including to the new store. “I have been talking to all of my customers and everybody is glad to have Tractor Supply here,” she said.

Switzer also praised Braun for her management skills. “Amanda is awesome. She caters to everyone. They could not have picked a better person to be in charge,” she said.

Braun emphasized that Tractor Supply is a true community partner. “We are out there to serve our neighbors. We love every part of it. That’s who we are,” she said. “So, this event, like any other, is about welcoming in our neighbors and showing them what we’re all about, while providing a fun experience the whole family can enjoy.”

In late February, 2019, engineers from the architectural firm, Bergmann, presented a proposed layout for the store to the Westfield Town Board.

Now, nearly eight months later, the 19,000 square foot store is complete and in full operation. There is also a 15,000 square foot, fenced-in, outdoor display area.

The grand opening activities kicked off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In addition to the vendors and media personnel, the store gave away gift cards, coupon books, and Tractor Supply hats throughout the day.

Some new features that will be available in the Westfield store include a pet wash station where, for $9.99, customers will have access to professional grade wash bays, as well as supplies to groom their pets.

“It’s a self-serve station, that is customer only,” Braun said. She noted that this is a new feature in Tractor Supply Stores and Westfield is one of the few in Western New York that will have one.

Furthermore, the store will have a “hitching post” area specifically for Amish patrons. In this way, Braun said, they will not have to park at the firehall and walk to the store.

The store will also feature drive-through capability in its outdoor yard area, so customers can pull in, load their purchases, and drive out the other side.

Tractor Supply is a “one-stop shop for anyone looking for anything,” Braun said. “In addition to feed and farm supplies, we have items ranging from leather goods to pressure washers to pet supplies to trailer parts, truck boxes and hardware.”

The Tractor Supply Company started business more than 80 years ago, and is now the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States with more than 1,814 stores in 49 states and 32,000 team members.

Braun, who is from Ellery Center, has worked for Tractor Supply for many years and said she loves the job. “Tractor Supply is all about us,” she said. “They take really good care of us. The customers are great and you get to work hand in hand with farmers and ranchers. I really enjoy what I do. I’ll never leave.”

For more information visit https://www.loc8nearme.com/new-york/westfield/tractor-supply-co/5456967/