UPDATE: Corrected the spelling of the name of one of the officials attending the event.

DOWAGIAC — Offering everything from food for pets and livestock to outdoor apparel appropriate for any season, Dowagiac’s newest business heralds itself as the ultimate one-stop shop for the recreational farmer.

On Thursday, the city’s business and civic leaders welcomed the recently opened Tractor Supply Company to The Grand City, during a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. More a dozen representatives attended the event, including Mayor Pro Tem Leon Laylin, Councilmember Bob Schurr, City Manager Kevin Anderson and Director of Public Safety Steven Grinnewald.

The store, located next to the city’s Shopko department store at 56418 Pokagon St., is part of the national chain of farming supply stores. Following several months of construction, the store opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, and has been swarmed with eager customers ever since, said store manager Jamie Watkins.

“We are really happy to be here,” said Tony Calderaro, district manager with the company. “We have had people coming over ever since we started setting up the store, asking ‘when are you opening up?’ They were really getting excited.”

Like its name implies, Tractor Supply Company offers a selection of parts and accessories for tractors and trailers. However, the store sells a range of products that cater to the interests of a diverse customer base, including farmers, pet owners, outdoor enthusiasts and many more.

For example, local dog and cat owners may purchase a variety of different supplies for their furry friends, including the chain’s own brand of grain-free pet food, called 4Health. The store also offers a pet wash station, which customers may use for $9.99 a session.

Perfect for this time of year, the store also features hunting products, including gun safes, outdoor wear and trail cameras.

The store currently employs around 15 people, Calderaro said.

“A lot of our team members here grew up in Dowagiac or live in Dowagiac,” he said. “They are part of the culture. A lot of our younger employees grew up on farms. That is something that was important to us while building up our employee base.”

“On behalf of the city, I would like to thank you for opening up a store here,” Laylin said to the store leaders, shortly before the ribbon cutting. “There are a lot of people in town who are particularly happy to have you here. I hope you are excited about being here as the we are having you here. We look forward to many years of service, and we hope we can do the same for you.”

The store is currently celebrating its grand opening. Through Sunday, customers will receive a 10 percent discount off any purchase. On Saturday, visitors will receive a free Tractor Supply Company hat, while supplies last, as well as have a chance to enter a drawing for one of six gift cards, worth between $50 to $1,000.

For more information or store hours, contact the store at (615) 440-4600 or visit tractorsupply.com.