Tractor Supply to open in St. Albans; plans due in January, opening targeted for late spring or early summer

An unnamed city official announced that Tractor Supply, a national retail chain, will open a store in St. Albans, West Virginia. "I want to announce that Tractor Supply will be coming to St. Albans, West Virginia," the speaker said, adding the company operates in 49 states and currently has about 2,300 stores.

The official said Tractor Supply finished asbestos testing this week and expects to submit building plans in early January. "They should submit their plans to fix the building in early January, and they hope to open towards late spring, early summer," the speaker said. City staff and the property owners have worked with the company on zoning and code issues; the speaker said those concerns have been cleared and that a sprinkler system is already in the building.

The building was sold by Lee Lewis and his father, Mike, who the speaker thanked for negotiating the sale. The speaker described the deal as a "win" for the Lewises, the city and Tractor Supply, and said the presence of a national retailer should spur additional private investment. The city did not provide an estimate of how many jobs the new store will create.

When asked whether other companies have expressed interest in local property, the speaker said the city refers potential tenants to the mall owner and noted a nondisclosure agreement prevents the city from naming interested buyers. The speaker also said mall owners are renovating and preparing the property for new tenants.

Next steps: Tractor Supply is expected to submit formal plans in early January and apply for work permits; the company may hold its own public announcement later. The city said it will share further details as plan submissions and permitting proceed.