TFM offers farm store franchise

By Farmers Weekly staff

ON-FARM superstores offering a wide range of farm and country supplies at keen prices could prove an ideal diversification route for many producers, according to a Shropshire-based retailer.

TFM Farm and Country Superstores, part of the Telford Farm Machinery group, has been trading for more than 20 years from a once-redundant farm building near Bridgnorth.

It is now offering a franchise based on its superstore concept which produces a multi-million-pound turnover at the main site.

“This will provide a business that is sizeable enough to secure the continuing viability of many farms,” says TFMs Mike Baines. “It is aimed at those in the 350-1000-acre bracket who are wondering quite where their future lies.”

TFMs product range appeals to a wider customer base than traditional agricultural merchants, enabling franchisees to trade successfully alongside several local competitors without market saturation, he adds.

“We have a target of opening about 25 new stores within five years. But we think the potential is much greater.”

A six-figure start-up sum will be needed mainly to cover stock requirements, says Mr Baines, though eventual six-figure earnings are envisaged. TFM will help franchise applicants with feasibility studies, and will construct individual plans if needed, he adds.