When directors and management of Maury Farmers Cooperative began picturing what they wanted in a new store, they knew they needed a format different from what they had. After all, the store in which the Co-op was operating was built in 1951 for the farmers of that time period, and it really wasn’t suited for the modern retail business common to Co-ops today.
Management and store planners considered the change in Co-ops customers and created a rural lifestyle shopping destination to appeal to these new shoppers, while still maintaining focus on the farmers. The makeup of Maury County had changed dramatically over the years. There are now fewer farmers in the area, and a greater number of homeowners who enjoy a rural lifestyle. Co-op employees knew it would take thought and careful planning to create a space to serve both groups.
“We started planning for a new store several years ago,” says Maury Farmers General Manager Keith Farmer. “We traveled across the state and visited newer Co-op stores to see how they addressed the changing customer base.”
Keith, along with key employees and board members visited newer Co-op facilities across the state to see what they liked and gather ideas. These visits helped them to plan and think through the process before building started.
“We wanted to make the store improvements with our customers in mind,” says Keith. “We had outgrown our other store and automotive center, so we planned accordingly.”
Tennessee Farmers Co-op lent the help of the Retail Development Department to assist in the design and layout the new facility. Josh Cole, TFC project manager was heavily involved and focused on meeting the needs of the farmer.
“We didn’t eliminate anything the Co-op was already carrying,” says Josh. “Their animal health, feed, and farm products were good in the old store. But space for some of the soft lines like clothing, footwear, gift, and pet products was constricted. So when planning the new store, we devoted a lot of area to the expansion of those products.”
The new building is 64,000 square feet, and includes a 14,500 square feet showroom, a 16,000 square feet, 12-bay automotive center, the warehouse, and offices. This all sits on the 29-acre campus located just off the 43 By-pass at the Hwy 7 exit.
“It’s important for us to not lose our focus on being a farm store,” Keith says. “But to effectively support the agriculture community, we have to branch out. Now we have expanded to meet the needs of children, women, hunting enthusiasts, and everyone in the community. We want you to be able to come get a gift for anyone from a 2-year-old to an 85-year-old.”
While the old store was designed for product and customers to go in and out the front of the store, the new facility uses all four sides of the building for better efficiency.
The shopping experience starts as visitors approach the entrance from the highway. Keith explains that the automotive center is clearly visible and it’s clear there is no wasted space.
“All the space on each side of the building are being utilized,” says Josh. “There is the store front, the 40-feet-wide dock for loading and unloading, the automotive center, and farm equipment on the other sides. One side is covered with a beautiful agriculture mural painted by a local artist.”
The improved automotive center was a big part of the new campus. Bruce Odom, Automotive Center manager was very involved in the expansion of the building and automotive center.
“Columbia has one of the largest and most modern automotive centers of Co-ops in the state,” says Josh.
Another highlight of the store is a dog wash station that includes washing facilities, shampoo, towels, brushes, and dryers. They have even hosted more than 300 dogs for a bath and blow out since the opening in March.
“I think one thing that has contributed to our success in sales is the support of the people of Columbia and Maury County,” says Keith. “They were excited for our new facility and have shown their support. People have shared with me that they used to never visit the Co-op, but now they love going there.”
To further appeal to the part-time farmer and rural lifestyle customer, Maury Farmers expanded their hours to better accommodate those with daytime jobs. The store is open six days per week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., six days a week, so people are able to stop by the Co-op after work.
“The expanded hours are beneficial for both the tradition and ‘sundown’ farmer,” says Josh. “They can work their 9-to-5 jobs and utilize our services and products when it is convenient time for them. A bank, realtor, or any working person can still come shop at the Co-op because of those hours.”
The store officially opened in March of 2020. The grand opening was set for May, but was postponed for everyone’s safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Maury County Farmers Co-op has found ways to host events without risking safety.
Since its opening, the store has hosted two “Cruise-In” car shows in June and July. Each had close to 500 people through the event. In July, the store also hosted a “Puppy Pool Party” where dogs came to float in watering troughs, lay out in the sun, participate in obstacle courses, and enjoy puppy popsicles. The Co-op plans to keep hosting events each month.
“We want to be a farm family store with something here for everyone,” says Keith. “I think we’ve been successful so far. We plan to evolve and change as needed to meet the needs of our community.”
“We’re very proud of the new facility, and we wanted to celebrate with our farmers and customers,” says Keith. “But the virus situation forced us to postpone our grand opening. We realize the health and well being of our customers is more important.”
The grand opening has been tentatively set for Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, with live music, food, prizes, and more.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to check the Co-op’s website and social media or to check with the store closer to the event, as conditions have changed frequently during the pandemic.