With aisles full of pet supplies, grills, farming implements, tools, work clothes and other things for life outside, Suffolk’s newest retailer has opened its doors on Pruden Boulevard.

At the entrance to Virginia Commerce Park, Tractor Supply Co. began trading on Saturday, said Jennifer Self, store manager.

“There has been a lot of activity” since doors opened, she said, adding, “There’s a lot of excitement about our grand opening this weekend.”

The grand opening will involve the local 4-H club, which will be there providing information on its activities, and radio station 97.3 The Eagle will broadcast live, according to a news release.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with city officials will take place at 8 a.m. The store address is 3000 Pruden Blvd.

As part of the grand opening, shoppers will receive 10 percent off their first purchase, up to $100, between Friday and June 23.

Shoppers can also enter a drawing to win prizes including store gift cards, pet food, clothing, power tools, lawn tractor and a chainsaw. Free Tractor Supply caps will be given away while stocks last.

Self has been with the company since January, working as a manager-in-training at its Franklin location.

Before joining Tractor Supply, she worked at PetSmart for 18 years, and she has worked in retail since 1983.

The daughter of a military serviceman, she lived in various locations around the world before settling in Virginia, where she has raised her two daughters, aged 19 and 22.

“Self oversees all operations (at the store), including receiving, inventory control and merchandising, as well as customer and team member relations,” the release states.

The Suffolk location employs 16 workers, a mixture of full and part time, Self said. “They have experience within different fields to help with customers’ questions,
she added.

Tractor Supply Company is geared toward “urban farmers” who “want to live the lifestyle,” Self said. “They want to live outside the city and still have access to their job and the things they need.”

It’s a lifestyle many more people are choosing these days, she said.

“I think a lot of it is, people just want to slow down a little bit. People are wanting to get back to their roots. I think they are tired of the hustle and bustle. I think it’s getting more popular everywhere.”

Workers at the store are still learning the ropes, Self said. “It’s a job-in-training every single day,” she added. “We always have a different (customer) question, every single day.

“Our customers are unique in terms of what their needs are. I don’t think I have heard the same questions twice.”