T
ractor Supply (TSCO) plans to open roughly 500 new stores in the next five years, many larger than its current 15,000‑20,000‑sq‑ft prototype. The chain is moving into repurposed Big‑Box sites that exceed twice the size of a typical outlet and into affluent suburban zones that have historically been outside its rural focus.

    The existing format is a freestanding building with a generous outdoor sales area, usually situated in rural or exurban communities around major metros. In contrast, the company is opening larger venues in former supermarkets on Long Island—one in West Babylon, NY, covering more than 50,000 sq ft—and in a former Toys R Us in Ventura, CA, which spans about 47,000 sq ft.

    Tractor Supply is also taking over spaces vacated by pet‑store competitors. A notable example is the former Petsmart in Rochester Hills, MI, a wealthy Detroit suburb. The new store surprised residents, but it serves a loyal customer base that previously had to travel to distant locations. The layout includes a dedicated Carhartt “store‑in‑store” with extensive displays and a pet‑food section focused on dogs and cats, reflecting the company’s Project Fusion strategy.

    Project Fusion allocates product categories based on local demand: rural sites emphasize animal feed, livestock supplies, and farm tools, while exurban and suburban locations highlight apparel, seasonal décor, pet food, and services such as washing, grooming, and veterinary care.

    The shift toward larger, unconventional sites is driven largely by real‑estate opportunities. In 2025, about 90 new openings will stem from 18 leases of bankrupt Big Lots stores acquired in May, including locations in Albuquerque, Wilmington, and a 40,000‑sq‑ft site in Lakeland, FL. Tractor Supply is also scouting second‑generation properties from bankrupt Big‑Box chains like Conn’s, Joann Fabrics, and At Home, which can be repurposed more quickly and at lower cost, often in prime, high‑income suburban areas.

    The retailer’s strategy is clear: continue to seize available real‑estate assets, repurpose them into larger, more varied stores, and expand into markets that were previously untapped.