SLIDELL, La. — Rumors have spread like wildfire as to why one of America's biggest retailers, Tractor Supply, suddenly closed.
Jessica Callac's family owns and operates Slidell Feed and Seed, about 10 minutes away from the Tractor Supply on Gause Blvd.
Callac said they've been busy ever since the Tractor Supply suddenly closed.
“We get customers every day asking what’s the deal, or we are having to explain we don’t know what’s the deal. But come buy our feed," Callac said.
On Monday, a sign in the Tractor Supply parking lot said 'closed' and blocked the entrance to the parking lot. Cars were forced to turn around.
Callac said the signs have been there long enough to stir up some buzz around town, and people have created their own theories.
“A sinkhole. Foundation problems. What else was there. Rat infestation. Flea infestation. The back wall is cracked. The roof is caving in. There’s just been so many things," Callac said.
But what's really going on?
Tractor Supply told WWL Louisiana the rumors aren't true but the building does have 'structural issues.'
"We are working hard to reopen as soon as we can safely do so," Tractor Supply said.
In the meantime, Slidell Feed and Seed has seen a boost in business.
“We’re now having to do a mid-month order for feed. We are selling a lot more, which is great for us," Callac said.
Tractor Supply said "The community will start to see construction activity at the store in the coming weeks to address the structural issues. In the next 3-4 weeks, we will be opening a temporary drive-through shopping experience in our side lot where customers will be able to purchase essential items including pet food, animal feed, propane, hay, shavings and fencing, as well as lawn mowers. We will be in touch when we have more information about the opening of the drive-through store, as well as the reopening of the store."
The company also said its other Northshore locations, including Covington, Bay St. Louis, and Picayune, are open.
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