Like so many in the area, I have been waiting, with great excitement, the opening of the new Rural King store located at the old Tops plaza at 299 South Main Street. I drive by there frequently and have followed their progress since the first trucks showed up.

Everything I've heard about the store was positive, with the phrase, "Tractor Supply on steroids" tossed about frequently. There was lots of talk about free popcorn and coffee for customers and "if they don't have it, you probably don't need it."

How awesome it was to see new life breathed into this long vacant property.

First impressions are important, which Rural King seems to be well aware. The store looks to have gotten a makeover, both inside and out. It's clean, well lit, and welcoming. When I first walked in I was immediately greeted by at least two people as I took in the immense size of the store from the front. In fact, all througout the store you won't see employees just walk past you as if you don't exist, they all say "good morning" and ask if they can help you find anything. With each interaction, it's evident that Rural King seeks to create a welcoming and friendly customer experience, perhaps changing what we've grown too accustomed to over the past decade or so.

My main interest was to check out their feed prices. Chicken feed isn't "chicken feed" anymore at $16-$20 per 50 pound bag, but at Rural King, their "in house" brand is certainly more affordable, saving someone like me $3-$4 per bag at their regular price. In addition to the store brand, they carry a line of Nutrena feeds as well with an overall good selection for nearly all livestock needs. The only thing I found that they didn't carry was crimped oats, but neither does Tractor Supply. So for that I'll still have to shop elsewhere. Best of all, the product on the floor is well stocked, eliminating the need to track someone down to go look in the back and see if they have more.

But there's so much more than animal feed. They have an impressive line of snacks and foods for the humans as well.

And those pictures don't do the variety justice. I didn't there's several more aisles, as well as a complete line of barbeque sauces, rubs, etc. It's amazing.

There's also a clothing section, where you can find store brand work pants, Carharrt apparel and more. There's a complete pet section, wild bird, lawn, garden and hardware.

I found prices overall to be, if not lower, at least competitive across the board when compared to other retail locations.

I took a moment to talk with one employee who told me that it's his own personal mission to change the perception of Elmira. And if there was ever a time for the city to do that, this is a golden opportunity. This store could well be a destination unto itself bringing new life to the city of Elmira.

Since the opening of the store was first announced, some have been critical of the location. I think it makes sense. It's right off of State Route 14 which runs from central PA to the Finger Lakes and is very close to I-86. So not only will this new store serve the needs of the agricultural community in the Twin Tiers, it will likely bring in shoppers from well beyond. It could very well result in more consumer spending elsewhere in the county, maybe even spur new businesses to open and thrive.

Anyone who has been to the Cabela's in Hamburg P.A. knows well what I'm talking about.

So I'm both impressed and hopeful with the opening of the Rural King in Elmira. I'm impressed with the store, the selection, the prices and the shopping experience. I'm impressed with the welcoming feeling one gets while walking around the store and the positive interaction with those who work there. I'm hopeful that the appropriate staffing and welcoming experience I had today remains the same years from now.

I'm also hopeful that in the same time span, we'll see a resurgance and return of shoppers to the Queen City, courtesy of Rural King.

Ok... that actually does look like a cool place to check out

55 minutes ago, Abby said:

Ok... that actually does look like a cool place to check out

Oh it is.

It’s… it’s… wonderful!

True story: When I first walked in, the first person who greeted me, as I stood and took it all in, was met with, “It’s everything I hoped for and more.”

I will see tomorrow AM , kinda excited !

13 hours ago, Hal said:

I will see tomorrow AM , kinda excited !

A kid in a candy shop, or music store surrounded by string instruments excited?

Hubby is off to explore this new Store with our Grandson and help him spend money 😂

Wheww , now that was an experience… to be repeated !! I believe and hope this will be a destination type store . I mean how many local stores does one spend over an hour just picking up “ things “ and checking out the inventory? More stock was being added today so it will rate a second visit after the Grand Opening for sure , it was impressive to say the least and maybe a little , just a tad , overwhelming at first . Thank you Matt !

I was amazed at the size and selection of their home canning section.

I picked up a big stainless steel bowl to work out of when we do our canning. Their prices on jars are good too, about $3 lower compared to other places.

And they sell railroad ties:

Who the hell keeps railroad ties in stock?!? 😄

2 hours ago, Chris said:

I was amazed at the size and selection of their home canning section.

I picked up a big stainless steel bowl to work out of when we do our canning. Their prices on jars are good too, about $3 lower compared to other places.

And they sell railroad ties:

Who the hell keeps railroad ties in stock?!? 😄

Used to be you couldn't buy railroad ties in NY and had to go to PA.

10 hours ago, KarenK said:

Used to be you couldn't buy railroad ties in NY and had to go to PA.

I didn’t look at them too closely but I wonder if they’re not treated with something different.

Could make building future raised beds a little easier!

We went again on Sunday so @Abby could have a look around. She was impressed as well.

Also, there was even more stuff outside than when I was there on Thursday.

We stopped in on Sunday to check it out. Its cool but unless I'm after a bunch of stuff, the prices are no better or worse than anywhere else so probably wouldn't drive way down there l.

I do see a new Mexican place opening in the old Tealls Tavern on Sept 30th. Good timing for them.

50 minutes ago, KarenK said:

…the prices are no better or worse than anywhere else…

Depends on what you’re looking for.

The feed I need for the chickens is $3.00 cheaper per bag. The minerals, I’d have to check, but I want to say $2.00 less ( but I’m not certain.) Jars for canning were $2-$3 cheaper, etc.

The bulk and other foods are a bit pricier, though the selection is pretty wild. The home goods are comparable.

The big cans of Folgers coffee, which I drink, was definitely cheaper than the grocery store.

Even though RK may have what I’m looking for, I still intend to shop at other places, like Valu-Center, if only out of principle. But there’s definitely some savings to be found there.

9 hours ago, Chris said:

though the selection is pretty wild

Yes it is and I enjoyed actually Shopping there , I’m the type that likes to take my time looking through the stock for future reference . But my go to will still be TSC if only because i’m in that area more times than not . But still , I can see RK as a very good thing for the area , specifically for the Southside . Time will tell but I wish them all the best !

It's like two miles from work for me and they open early. No more driving to Horseheads for feed!