BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tractor Supply Company
(Nasdaq: TSCO), the largest retail farm and ranch store chain in the United
States, today announced the appointment of Gregory Sandfort as Chief
Merchandising Officer.
Mr. Sandfort, 52, has an extensive retail background with over 30 years of
department-store and specialty retail management experience. Most recently,
Mr. Sandfort worked at Michaels Stores, Inc. where he held the positions of
President and Chief Operating Officer subsequent to his role as Chief
Merchandising Officer. Mr. Sandfort also held positions of increasing
responsibility in merchandising and management positions at retailers such as
Sears Roebuck and Company and Federated Department Stores. Additionally, he
served as Senior Vice President, Managing Director at consulting firm, Arthur
Anderson, where he advised retailers on a variety of strategic planning and
development projects. Mr. Sandfort began his career at F.W. Woolworth/Woolco.
Mr. Sandfort will be responsible for all merchandising activities for
Tractor Supply Company and he will report to Jim Wright. Mr. Sandfort will
assume the merchandising duties of Jerry Brase, who has resigned to pursue
other opportunities.
Jim Wright, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Through a long
and distinguished career, Greg has proven his ability to implement solid
merchandising programs and we are very pleased that he is joining Tractor
Supply Company. Our unique merchandise strategies and product assortment have
made our stores a destination and set us apart in a competitive retail
landscape. Greg's extensive retail experience will complement our long-term
growth plan as he leads the development and execution of new and innovative
merchandising strategies. Further, Greg's strong leadership abilities will add
to the strength of our executive management team."
Mr. Wright concluded, "Under Jerry's leadership, we have built a very
solid merchandise team that I am confident will continue to provide our
customers with products that are differentiated and relevant to their rural
lifestyle. We thank Jerry for his commitment to Tractor Supply Company and
wish him the best in his future endeavors."
About Tractor Supply Company
As of September 29, 2007, Tractor Supply Company operated 738 stores in 40
states. The Company's stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of
recreational farmers and ranchers. The Company also serves the maintenance
needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small
businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets
and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive
selection of merchandise: (1) equine, animal and pet products, including
everything necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2)
maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; (3) hardware and tool
products; (4) seasonal products, including lawn and garden power equipment;
(5) truck and towing products; and (6) work clothing for the entire family.
Forward Looking Statements:
As with any business, all phases of the Company's operations are subject
to influences outside its control. This information contains certain forward-
looking statements, including statements regarding estimated results of
operations in future periods. These forward-looking statements are subject to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 and are subject to the finalization of the Company's financial and
accounting procedures, and may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties,
any one, or a combination, of which could materially affect the results of the
Company's operations. These factors include general economic cycles affecting
consumer spending, weather factors, operating factors affecting customer
satisfaction, consumer debt levels, inflation, pricing and other competitive
factors, the ability to attract, train and retain qualified employees, the
ability to manage growth and identify suitable locations and negotiate
favorable lease agreements on new and relocated stores, the timing and
acceptance of new products in the stores, the mix of goods sold, the continued
availability of favorable credit sources, capital market conditions in
general, the ability to increase sales at existing stores, the ability to
retain vendors, reliance on foreign suppliers, management of its information
systems and the seasonality of the Company's business. Forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Company are based on knowledge of its
business and the environment in which it operates, but because of the factors
listed above, actual results could differ materially from those reflected by
any forward-looking statements. Consequently, all of the forward-looking
statements made are qualified by these cautionary statements and those
contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that the
results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even
if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or
effects on the Company or its business and operations. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake any obligation to
release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect
events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
SOURCE Tractor Supply Company
CONTACT: Anthony F. Crudele, Chief Financial Officer, or Randy Guiler,
Director, Investor Relations, +1-615-440-4600, both of Tractor Supply Company;
or Investors: Cara O'Brien or Erica Pettit, or Media: Melissa Merrill,
+1-212-850-5600, all of Financial Dynamics for Tractor Supply Company