As the country’s largest rural lifestyle retailer, Tractor Supply Company has become a one-stop shop for lawn, agriculture, and livestock supplies, especially in the Midwest and South. Since Oct. 2020, the company has remodeled 50 percent of its stores, added 550 garden centers, opened 13 distribution facilities, and grown digital sales by over 340 percent. In a news release, Tractor Supply said it plans to open 90 new stores in 2025 and updated its total addressable market to approximately $225 billion, up from $180 billion. Shoppers are flocking to Tractor Supply to get in on the action, many of whom are ditching Home Depot in the process. Here’s how Tractor Supply is outperforming its top competitor.
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Tractor Supply offers interactive experiences on big-ticket items.
As with any investment purchase, you need time to sit on it. Perhaps you’ll draw up a pros and cons list, or do a comparison analysis of other similar brands/products on the market. At Tractor Supply, customers are encouraged to try out products and ask questions. In fact, the more questions the better, according to company senior vice president Randall Dodds.
"We’re big believers in the value of touch and feel," Dodds told ModernRetail. "While customers increasingly do research online or even order directly for delivery, there’s still a big opportunity when someone is on the fence. That’s where our store teams come in. A team member can greet them, answer questions, and walk them through a product—especially with something like grilling, where features matter."
Before pulling out your credit card, Tractor Supply invites all aspiring grill masters and green thumbs to stop by during one of the store’s Demo Days, where trained staff members offer interactive tutorials and experiences on big-ticket items, such as grills, lawnmowers, and yard tools.
"We kind of pound our chest on our customer experience when they come to our store. There’s a good chance they are going to be greeted right when they walk in, and that a team member will be there to answer those questions that can put them over the hump to make that purchase. And there’s nothing like it being there in front of them, where we can really share the benefits and features of a product," said Dodds.
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Tractor Supply recently launched its own animal pharmacy.
After acquiring the digital pet pharmacy Allivet, Tractor Supply announced the launch of its own online animal pharmaceuticals center in April 2025.
Aptly titled Tractor Supply Rx, the digital pharmacy offers vaccines, prescription medications, dental hygiene, tick and fly control, professional vet care, vitamins and supplements, and more for dogs, cats, horses, poultry, and farm livestock. More advanced veterinary supplies—including diagnostic devices, first aid instruments, and wound care—are available for livestock animals. As for in-store offerings, customers can also take advantage of pet washing and pet grooming stations.
"Through our swift integration of Allivet, we can scale this digital business into our stores to provide a compelling animal health offering wherever our customers choose to shop. We are now able to provide our pet customers with seamless, trusted access to the best value in medications and the expert guidance needed to help their pets and animals thrive—along with their favorite food, treats, toys and more," Rob Mills, chief technology, digital and corporate strategy officer at Tractor Supply, said in statement.
In comparison, Home Depot’s pet line is limited to basic supplies, such as litter boxes, toys, bedding, crates, and collars, for cats and dogs.
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Tractor Supply’s military discounts outscore Home Depot’s veteran offerings.
In 2024, Tractor Supply established its new Hometown Heroes Neighbor’s Club, which benefits military service members, veterans, and first responders. Unlike other military discount programs, à la Home Depot’s (more on that below), Hometown Heroes comes with no exclusions or capped savings.
In recognition of their service, eligible members are automatically enrolled in the company’s Preferred Plus Neighbor loyalty program. This includes:
- 2 percent back on everyday purchases
- Free shipping on orders over $29
- Free same-day delivery twice per quarter
- Free trailer rentals twice per quarter
- Additional special gifts and rewards
Members also get:
- An additional 5 percent off coupon per quarter
- Hero Holidays discounts (Fourth of July, First Responders Day, Veterans Day)
- Reserved Hometown Heroes parking spots
"As a veteran and the son of a police officer, I deeply appreciate Tractor Supply’s dedication to honoring the heroes who bravely serve our country and our communities—those who volunteer to protect us and ensure our safety," Colin Yankee, chief supply chain officer at Tractor Supply and former U.S. Army Captain, said in the news release.
"With many military service members, veterans and first responders as our customers and Team Members, our Hometown Heroes program allows us to express our gratitude to these heroes for their selfless commitment and dedication," he continued.
Meanwhile, at Home Depot, active military personnel, veterans, and their spouses can score 10 percent off select merchandise. Appliances, special order items, tool rental fees, building materials (including lumber and wire), and value-priced products are excluded from this offering, says the website. Additionally, service members are limited to $400 in accumulated savings per year.
