COLUMBIA, S.C. — Farm & Home Supply, a family-owned farm and home retailer from Illinois, plans to open three stores and a distribution center in South Carolina, its first move outside the Midwest in the company 66-year history.
The new stores will be in Cheraw, Florence and Greenwood, and the distribution center will be in Sumter. All four locations are planned to open in spring 2027.
The Sumter distribution center will supply the three South Carolina stores and is meant to support future growth in the region. The company said the expansion will create new jobs in all four communities, with hiring details to come as opening dates approach.
Founded in Quincy, Illinois, in 1960, the retailer operates 15 stores across Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa, along with two distribution centers in Illinois and an online store. It sells pet supplies, power equipment, sporting goods, feed and animal health products, clothing and footwear, automotive goods, tools, hardware, farm supplies and lawn and garden merchandise.
Owner and president Adam Bowles described the move as a big jump for a small family company that his grandmother and father started almost 67 years ago, and credited loyal customers and employees for making it possible. Owner and chief executive Mike Pauling pointed to strong economic growth and a thriving customer base in the Southeast as the reason for choosing South Carolina.
The company said it supports local schools, youth groups, agricultural programs and community events in its current markets and plans to do the same in its new South Carolina towns. The retailer announced the plan this week.
