15-Year-Old McKenzie Store to Close on Christmas Eve
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MCKENZIE, Tenn. — A family favorite store in McKenzie that sells farm equipment and supplies will permanently shut its doors the day before Christmas. A spokesperson from Rural King’s corporate office in Mattoon, Illinois says they were unable to reach an agreement with the buildings landlord. Brad Hurley, President of Carroll County Chamber of Commerce said, “Anytime a retailer like Rural King closes it does open the door to potential recruitment of additional stores to be able to come in, it’s a 29, 000 square foot store.” With 48 jobs on the line, Carroll County chamber of commerce members say this is an unbelievable blow to their already suffering economy. “The good news is everybody is working hard and diligently to bring a new retail to that facility,” Hurley said. Susan Samuelson, vice president of human resources at Rural King’s corporate office released a statement saying the following: All associates are encouraged to apply and transfer to neighboring Rural King stores to fill any open positions. Any associate that does not transfer will be paid out a severance. But Jackie Scott, a Carroll County resident, is devastated about the closure. “Just maybe, maybe we’ll get something to replace it, don’t know what that’ll be, but maybe something,” Scott said. Chamber leaders tell us they’re using state resources to help bring new jobs to Carroll County and surrounding areas.
