Rural supplies retailer Farmlands has opened a new location in Ashburton, built as a ‘test and learn’ store concept. 

Tanya Houghton, CEO at Farmlands, says the Ashburton location is the first in the company’s network to be constructed in accordance with the company’s long-term goals for the Farmlands shop. The store offers farming supplies like food, grain and seed, dairy, and horticulture products as well as other categories like apparel and footwear.

Additionally, it has new concepts including a pet wash and a “FeedBarn,” which offers a wider selection of nutrition supplies to consumers. Houghton says the goal is to recreate Farmlands’ original role as a one-stop shop for goods, expert services, conversation, and lifestyle pursuits for everyone associated with the land.

“It’s all about delivering great customer service – making sure that Farmlands is a natural place for customers to meet, hang out and get advice,” she said. 

“We’ve received really positive feedback from our farmers, growers and lifestyle property owners who’ve already visited the store.”   

The Rangiora branch will be the next store to see a shift towards customer care. The business is seeking ways to interact with the local Farmlands store’s clientele of farmers, producers, and owners of lifestyle properties.

“We’re not taking a one-size-fits-all approach – each store will reflect the unique make-up of our shareholders and customers in each region. For example, in the revamped Rangiora store, we’ll be testing a drive-through Feedbarn.”  

Farmlands has been adapting to satisfy the needs of a wide range of consumers. These adjustments include expanding product lines, providing extended business hours for retailers in specific localities, and marketing an all-client delivery service.