Farmers say Peavey Mart closure is “tragic”

By Joan Janzen

KINDERSLEY - The massive yellow closing sign posted at Kindersley Peavey Mart is an unwelcome sight, not only for this community but for the over ninety additional locations which are experiencing closures. Kindersley Peavey Mart is one of twelve stores in Saskatchewan which have faithfully served their customers for nearly sixty years.

Farmers and homeowners are describing Peavey Mart’s closing as “tragic”. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

According to Peavey Industries LP, the closure was due to increased operating costs, disruptions in the supply chain and record-low customers. The store will be sadly missed, especially in rural agriculture communities, where they catered not only to homeowners, but farmers, ranchers and home gardening enthusiasts.

Mayor Ken Francis said, “It’s always disheartening to learn of a business closure. It’s especially sad in smaller communities where there are a limited number of businesses to start with.”

Regular Peavey Mart customers like Jim Ness, a New Brigden area farmer described the closure as tragic. Kindersley area farmer Greg Becker said he felt terrible about the store’s closing. “They have everything … farm supplies, corral panels, welding supplies, feeders, clothing. They have it all and I don’t know who is going to replace them.”

Michele Rast, a Beadle area farmer, called it “our go-to place” for anything farm-related such as feed and livestock supplies. “It seems the farm always needs something and Peavey Mart is the place to get it,” she said. “We gave Peavey Mart gift cards to our kids after lambing so they could have some fun buying for themselves while supporting local business. It was the perfect place to find gifts for other farm friends.”

Local management and staff seemed as surprised as the public to receive the closure announcement. They will be impacted the most by this decision. The store’s history includes a long list of employees who worked at the store throughout the years.

Orlean Hehr remembers working at the location on Railway Avenue before Peavey Mart moved to the Kindersley Shopping Centre. “I found it a great place to work; the staff was awesome!” Orlean recalled. During the four years she worked at the store, she reported they had four different managers, and didn’t have any manager for a while.

“They really catered to the farming community and had excellent quality product that you won’t find anywhere else.” As an example she mentioned their extensive stock of supplies for making homemade sausage, and unique seasonal items.

“Peavey Mart has been a farm/ranch staple for decades here and so losing it after so many years will leave a big hole in that specific space,” Mayor Francis said. “Hopefully another similar service will fill that void.” Everyone in the area wholeheartedly agrees and hopes the void will be filled by either a new or existing business.