Fleet & Farm is Built for REAL Life: A Visit To Mills Fleet-Farm in Winona, Minnesota!
From a small family business to a Midwestern retail empire, Fleet Farm is dedicated to Heartland values and built for real life.
Fleet Farm, the well-known retail chain that has become a staple in the Midwest, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. What started as a small family business has grown into a thriving enterprise, serving customers across five states. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating journey of this iconic brand as we visit Mills Fleet-Farm here in our hometown of Winona, Minnesota.
Jack and I usually shop at Fleet Farm at least once a week here in our hometown of Winona, Minnesota but I never really knew much about the company.
I did some research and found out they have a pretty fascinating backstory – and it all started in Minnesota!
The Visionary Founder
The story of Fleet Farm begins with Stewart C. Mills Sr., a man with a vision and an entrepreneurial spirit.
In 1922, Mills founded Mills Companies in Brainerd, Minnesota, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Fleet Farm. The family’s business ventures expanded over the years, venturing into the oil industry and establishing auto dealerships and parts stores.
RELATED: Brainerd, Minnesota: Where Paul Bunyan Speaks, Nature Delights, And Fun Awaits!
The Birth of Fleet Farm
In 1955, Stewart Mills Sr. and his sons, Henry Mills II and Stewart Mills Jr., embarked on a new chapter in their business journey. They opened the first Fleet Wholesale Supply store in Marshfield, Wisconsin, marking the birth of the Fleet Farm brand.
Interestingly, the Mills family had a close relationship with Bert and Claude Blain, who founded the similarly named Blain’s Farm and Fleet in the same year. The two families agreed to operate under similar names while focusing on different territories.
Expansion and Growth
As Fleet Farm gained popularity, the company began to expand its presence across the Midwest. The stores evolved from small hardware store formats to larger, more comprehensive retail outlets.
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Today, Fleet Farm boasts an impressive network of 49 stores spread across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The company’s headquarters are located in Appleton, Wisconsin, while its main distribution center resides in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
A One-Stop Shop for All Your Needs
One of the key factors contributing to Fleet Farm’s success is its diverse product offering. Customers can find everything from hunting and fishing equipment to household goods, automotive supplies, clothing, and even food under one roof.
The stores cater to a wide range of needs, making them a convenient destination for shoppers. Many locations also feature additional services such as auto service centers, gas marts, and car washes, further enhancing the customer experience.
The Iconic Orange Silo
In the year 2000, Fleet Farm introduced a distinctive architectural element that has become synonymous with the brand: the orange-roofed silo. This eye-catching feature adorns the storefront of most Fleet Farm locations that have opened since then, serving as a recognizable symbol of the company’s presence in the community.
The silo not only adds visual interest to the store’s exterior but also pays homage to the company’s roots in serving rural and agricultural communities.
If you want to do some fishing or grilling, Fleet & Farm has got you covered. Their fishing area is bigger than some bait stores we’ve been to!
Jack and I always make it a point to go the Back Forty – that’s the cute name for the Clearance section located at the back of the store. You can find some GREAT money-saving deals.
Animal lovers should check out the pet supplies area. They have stuff for your dogs, cats, birds and more. I’m pretty sure they even have supplies for horses and other animals! So cute.
Fun fact: 95% of my hubby Jack’s entire wardrobe was purchased at Fleet-Farm. LOL. They have fashion and workwear for men, women, and children.
Isn’t it nice to shop somewhere that is American-owned and based right here in the Midwest? Which reminds me, you should read this recent article we wrote: These Beloved American Companies Ditched Uncle Sam! I was pretty surprised to learn about all the companies you think are American, but actually owned by corporations overseas. Uff da.
Guys, from its humble beginnings as a small family business to its current status as a retail powerhouse, Fleet Farm has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century. Through strategic expansion, diverse product offerings, and a commitment to serving its customers, the company has solidified its position as a beloved and trusted brand in the Midwest.
As Fleet Farm continues to grow and evolve, it remains anchored in the values and vision set forth by its founder, Stewart C. Mills Sr., nearly a hundred years ago. Hope you get a chance to shop here – and if you’re ever in the Winona store – chances are you’ll run into us! Safe travels.
Know Before You Go: Fleet & Farm
- There are locations across the Midwest. The store we usally go to is: 920 U.S. 61, Winona, MN 55987. Their phone number is: 507-454-5124
- Winona Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winona Auto Service Center Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sunday, Closed
- Pro-Tip: Mills Fleet Farm offers convenient and easy pick up at store when you buy online. Visit their website here
- Remember: They have a price match guarantee. Mills Fleet Farm will match local competitors’ prices on indentical in-stock items.
- Because Mills Fleet-Farm sells food, Minnesota state law does not allow pets in their store. But service animals are ok!
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Show your Winona, Minnesota pride with Hometown Apparel’s Classic Cotton Hoodie, take a stroll down memory lane with Our Favorite Book About Winona, and learn about the fascinating Kashubian Polish Community of Southeastern Minnesota.
