By Ann Genader
West Milford — The vacant building that used to house Sears Appliance and Hardware at 1926 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, may not be shuttered for long.
Tractor Supply Company wants to open a retail store there, according to the West Milford Planning Department. The national company, which describes itself as the "largest operator of rural lifestyle retail stores in America," has submitted an application to the township, said Zoning Officer Jim Lupo, and it is now under review.
The West Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment will soon hear public testimony on the application prior to board action. A date for the hearing hasn't been set.
Tractor Supply, a publicly traded company, announced on its website that 12 jobs will open at the location and applications are now being accepted.
According to its website, the company was founded in 1938, reports annual revenue of about $7.26 billion, has 20,000 employees and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn. The retail company posted an increase in sales at its stores in the last quarter.
The company already has a stores in Sussex and Chester.
Products sold at the store include clothing, equine and pet supplies, tractor/trailer parts and accessories, lawn and garden supplies, sprinkler/irrigation parts, power tools, fencing, welding and pump supplies and riding mowers.