My Experience Shopping at Mills Fleet Farm - Fleet Farm (2024)

Discovering Everything This Unique Retailer Has to Offer

I’ve always enjoyed exploring new stores, especially ones that offer a wide variety of products under one roof. So when I heard aboutMills Fleet Farm, I knew I had to check it out. With over 35 locations across the Midwest, this family-owned retailer has been around since 1955 and has grown into a go-to destination for all things outdoors, home, auto and more.

The first thing I noticed when I arrived at my localMills Fleet Farmwas the sheer size of the store. At over 200,000 square feet, it’s larger than your average big box retailer. Stepping inside, I was amazed by the diverse product assortment. Fromhunting and fishing gear to home décor, tools, clothing, pet supplies, automotive accessories and so much more, they definitely live up to their tagline “We have that!”

Product Selection That Rivals Even the Biggest Retailers

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I spent over two hours exploring the store and still didn’t see everything. Theproduct selection at Mills Fleet Farmtruly rivals even the biggest retailers out there. The hunting and fishing department takes up a large portion of the store, with an extensive selection of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, bait, decoys, blinds – you name it. Any outdoors enthusiast could spend hours in just that department.

ButMills Fleet Farmdoesn’t stop there. They have everything for the home, including appliances large and small, furniture, grills, patio sets, sheds, spas and pools. You can decorate every room with their home décor pieces, accents, art and more. Don’t forget to pop into the seasonal sections overflowing with holiday and Christmas decor too!

In the clothing department, you’ll find rugged outdoor apparel, footwear, overalls, jeans, shirts and accessories for the whole family. And the options for kids are amazing – toys, bikes, games, books, you name it. Even picky eaters will be happy with the huge selection of candy and snacks!

Impressive Automotive Department With Installation Services

Being a bit of a gearhead myself, I was impressed by theautomotive department at Mills Fleet Farm. You can shop for parts to DIY a car repair or maintenance project and even get your oil changed while you shop. They also offerprofessional installation servicesfor batteries, brakes, tires, lifts and tuning.

The tires and wheels section is massive, with experts available to help you find exactly what you need. And truck owners will love the wide selection of truck bed covers, towing accessories, pickup caps and camper shells. They really do have everything for auto enthusiasts in one place!

One-Stop Shopping for Home, Garden, Pet Supplies and More

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In addition to automotive,Mills Fleet Farmis a one-stop shop for home and garden. You can outfit your entire kitchen with appliances, cookware, dinnerware, utensils and more. The grilling and patio department will get you ready for summer BBQs. And the lawn and garden center is stocked with plants, gardening tools, mowers, outdoor power equipment and everything you need to spruce up your yard.

Pet owners can also find everything their furry friends need, from food to toys, crates, supplies and even live fish for aquariums! No matter what kind of pet you have, you’re sure to find products for them here.

Helpful Services Like Pharmacy, Optical and Coffee Shop

After walking around and filling my cart for a good two hours, I worked up an appetite. Thankfully,Mills Fleet Farmhas an onsite family restaurant and coffee shop to refuel at. I was able to enjoy a tasty lunch without having to leave the store – so convenient!

I also discovered they have a full optical department and pharmacy, offering eye exams, glasses, contacts and prescription medications. It’s great having these services alongside all the shopping.

Easy to Locate with Over 35 Midwest Locations

I’m not surprisedMills Fleet Farmhas grown to over 35 stores, as the variety and value they offer really impress me. You canfind a Mills Fleet Farm location on their websiteby simply entering your city or zip code. They have stores across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and Nebraska.

Next time I’m traveling near any of these states, I’ll be sure to check their site to see if there’s a store along my route. It’s totally worth a stop to uncover new finds and check another Mills Fleet Farm location off my bucket list!

Online Shopping and Pickup Options for Added Convenience

For those who prefer to shop online,Mills Fleet Farm does have an e-commerce storewith a nice selection of products available for home delivery or in-store pickup. I love having the option to browse and buy online, then swing by to grab my order without having to walk the whole store.

Their pickup service is quick, easy and free for online orders over $50. Lower value orders are just $4.99 to pickup in-store, still a bargain compared to most retailer shipping costs. They even bring online purchases right out to your vehicle if you choose the curbside option!

Great Deals to Be Had Through Weekly Ad and Bargain Cave

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Now to my favorite part – the deals and bargains!Mills Fleet Farm offers weekly promotionsboth online and in their printed ad circular. It’s definitely worth browsing each week’s ad for big savings on featured sale items.

I also discovered their incredibleBargain Cave department, which offers super discounted overstock merchandise, closeouts, discontinued items and more. The selection is always changing, so you never know what amazing finds you might uncover. With prices slashed 50-90% off, it’s an amazing place to save big on anything from clothing to pet goods to home décor.

Save Even More with Easy Rewards Loyalty Program

To save even more on future trips, I signed up for their free Easy Rewards program. Members earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for rewards certificates on future purchases. From what I read, rewards members regularly save over $100 a year through this program!

Another perk of Easy Rewards is receiving member-only coupons and special promotional offers through email. So joining is definitely worthwhile if you plan to shop at Mills Fleet Farm routinely.

Extended Hours for Night Owls and Early Birds

I’m glad I came on a weekday, becauseMills Fleet Farm stores are open 8am-9pm Monday through Saturday, and 9am-7pm on Sundays. Their extended hours make it easy to shop before or after work. Plus the earlier weekend opening time compared to many retailers is perfect for early risers looking to tackle projects and errands.

Friendly Staff Provide Helpful Shopping Assistance

During every visit I’ve had friendly team members ask if I needed any help finding anything. The store is very well staffed, with associates available throughout each department.

In particular, those working in specialty departments like automotive, hunting and outdoors provide excellent advice and recommendations. Their knowledge really shows they are passionate about these categories.

Even with 200,000 square feet to cover, I never felt lost thanks to the store’s clear signage and the helpful staff ready to point me in the right direction.

Hassle-Free Returns Make Shopping Worry-Free

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With such a vast selection, returns are inevitable at times. ButMills Fleet Farmmakes exchanges and returns easy. I was relieved to find they allow returns and exchanges within 90 days, with or without a receipt.

That takes the stress out of purchasing big ticket items like appliances, grills, patio furniture or exercise equipment. Knowing I have 3 months to decide keeps me from overthinking every purchase out of fear that I’ll want to return it.

Their return policy means I can shop freely without worry – a nice perk that makes me choose Mills Fleet Farm for appliances and large purchases over other retailers with stricter policies.

Curbside Pickup: Easy, Contactless Convenience

On recent visits, I’ve taken advantage ofMills Fleet Farm’s new curbside pickup servicefor my online purchases. Choosing this delivery method allows me to place an order online, drive up at my scheduled time, and have an associate bring my purchase right to my vehicle. It’s the ultimate in convenience and contactless shopping!

Curbside pickup has been a game changer for me, especially on busy days when I want to minimize my time in store. I love being able to shop online at my own pace, then simply pickup my order when it’s convenient for me. This service is free and available for orders of any size, so it’s definitely worth utilizing.

Current Best Deals: Seasonal Markdowns Up to 90% Off

When it comes to scoring deals, now is a great time to shopMills Fleet Farm’s seasonal markdowns. I’ve spotted Christmas decor slashed up to 90% off and Halloween already 75% off. Winter apparel including coats, gloves and boots are 50-60% off as they make room for spring inventory.

You can also save big in the automotive department, where certain products like battery chargers, car care kits and emergency roadside items are discounted to make room for newer models. Hitting the end-of-season sales is definitely the best way to maximize value at Mills Fleet Farm right now.

Apply Within: Joining the Mills Fleet Farm Team

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With new locations popping up regularly,Mills Fleet Farm is often hiringfor their stores. Positions frequently available include cashiers, stockers, sales floor associates, pharmacists, automotive technicians, distribution center workers and more.

Their website makes applying very simple through an online form. I may even consider joining the team myself at some point, as employees receive discounts on purchases along with other benefit perks. Working here seems like a fun way to earn extra income doing something different from my regular 9-to-5 office job.

One-Stop Shopping for Hunters and Anglers

Having grown up in the countryside fishing, hunting and camping, I’m no stranger to the outdoor sporting goods store. ButMills Fleet Farm’s hunting and fishing departmentstill managed to impress me with its unmatched selection catering to all types of sportsmen.

You’ll find rows upon rows of firearms, bows, ammunition, tree stands, decoys, blinds, calls and every accessory imaginable. They even sell hunting apparel in camo patterns to conceal you in the field or blind.

The fishing area covers an entire aisle, fully stocked with rods, reels, tackle, hooks, line, bait and all the gear an angler could ever need. Whether stalking deer or hooking the catch of a lifetime, Mills Fleet Farm truly is a paradise for outdoorsmen and women.

Gear Up Your Vehicle with Automotive Services

While browsing the vast automotive department, I learnedMills Fleet Farm provides a range of repair and installation servicesright in store. This includes oil changes, tire installation, lift kits, leveling kits, running boards, bug shields, trailer hitch installation and more.

Their auto service technicians have years of experience performing quality work you can trust. And the ability to get your vehicle serviced while shopping is so convenient compared to scheduling a separate auto shop appointment.

Next time my truck needs routine maintenance or new tires, I’ll be pulling into the Mills Fleet Farm auto service center for one-stop simplicity.

Get Growing in the Garden Center Paradise

Spring is just around the corner, andMills Fleet Farm’s garden centeris already stocked with everything needed to plan the perfect garden oasis.

You’ll find rows of seed packets, blooming plants, gardening tools and equipment. For large garden installations, they have bulk soils, fertilizers, gravel, pavers, fencing and more landscape supplies. You can even design a customized garden shed, greenhouse or coop with their outdoor structures.

I’m looking forward to grabbing some berry bushes, flowering pots, vegetable plants and garden décor to enhance my backyard retreat this year. The Mills Fleet Farm garden center is my go-to source for beautifying my landscape affordably.

Value and Variety from Their Exclusive Brands

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What I appreciate aboutMills Fleet Farmis they offer all the expected national brands I know and love. But complimenting those are severalexclusive store brandsoffering comparable quality for less.

Rangemen Outfitters is their clothing and footwear line designed for rugged outdoor adventures. I found the selection of boots, overalls, jackets and flannels comparable to top brands like Carhartt but at lower price points.

Another brand called Homestead offers furniture, décor, curtains, quilts and other home goods that rival more expensive names. And you can stock up on pantry staples, snacks and ingredients under their Wild Fork Farms brand. Trying out these store exclusives is worthwhile, especially if you love bargains like me!

Customer Service Goes Above and Beyond

During my various trips to Mills Fleet Farm, I’ve been impressed with their exceptional customer service every time. Associates are always willing to look up inventory, call other locations to check stock, and even place special orders for products not normally carried.

The service shines most in specialty departments like hunting, firearms and automotive – areas that require expert knowledge. Even when the stores are busy, employees take time to listen and ensure your needs are met.

Their dedication to service before sales is refreshing. I never feel pressured, rushed or ignored here.Mills Fleet Farm’s outstanding customer carekeeps me coming back again and again.

One-Stop Pet Shop for All Your Furry Friends

As a proud pet parent, I’m thrilled to have a local retailer that caters to all my pets’ needs in one convenient place. AtMills Fleet Farmyou can shop for dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, small animals and even farm animals!

They carry all the top national brands of pet foods, including specialty diet formulas. You’ll find toys, beds, crates, litter, habitats, aquariums, leashes – everything a pet owner could want. And their selection of pet clothing and costumes is just adorable!

I also love that you can find exotic pet nutrition & supplies for lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs and more unusual creatures. Mills Fleet Farm makes pet shopping fast, easy and fun.

Flexible Payment Options Ease Checkout

No retailer would be complete without flexible payment options to provide purchasing convenience.Mills Fleet Farmaccepts all major credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and Mills Fleet Farm credit cards.

For big ticket items, they also offer Mills Fleet Farm financing with low payment plans over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. I really appreciate retailers that understand we can’t always pay hundreds upfront for larger purchases.

Their financing plans allow me to get projects done now and pay gradually. And acceptance of Apple/Google Pay and PayPal allows me to skip having my cards on hand altogether for even faster checkout.

Gear Up for Fun and Adventure in the Seasonal Section

One of my favorite parts ofMills Fleet Farmis their enormous seasonal section up front. This area transforms throughout the year to showcase fun seasonal merchandise. In winter I found sleds, snow tubes, snow blowers and other cold weather essentials.

As spring approaches, this space will soon explode with outdoor playsets, trampolines, above-ground pools, camping gear and everything needed for warm weather fun. The assortment of Fourth of July party supplies is amazing as well!

I look forward to seeing the seasonal section rapidly evolve as we move into springtime. It’s sure to provide endless inspiration for backyard adventures and making the most of sunny days ahead!

Shop the Farm: Livestock and Equine Supplies

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I was pleasantly surprised to discoverMills Fleet Farmprovides a full range of livestock and equine supplies for hobby farms and ranchers. You’ll find specialty feeds, medications, vaccines, grooming tools, fencing, and equipment for horses, chickens, cows, goats, pigs and other farm animals.

This makes Mills Fleet Farm a convenient one-stop shop for small acreage owners to care for their horses, poultry and livestock. No need to run to the local farm co-op when it’s all right here.

They truly cover every base when it comes to rural living and country life. I love thatMills Fleet Farmstays true to its farming roots even as it expands to big box status.

Safety First: COVID Precautions for Comfortable Shopping

I’m an avid shopper, but I take pandemic precautions seriously for health and safety. That’s why I was relieved to seeMills Fleet Farm enforcing COVID-19 policieslike face masks, social distancing markers, daily cleaning routines, limited occupancy, and plexiglass dividers at registers.

Their precautions enabled me to focus on my shopping while feeling protected. I never worried about crowds or confined spaces. Mills Fleet Farm prioritizes safety without sacrificing an excellent in-store experience.

During uncertain times, responsible retailers like Mills Fleet Farm will keep customers coming back thanks to their commitment to wellbeing. I’m grateful for businesses that allow us to shop with total comfort and confidence.

My New Go-To for One-Stop Shopping

Without a doubt, I’m extremely impressed withMills Fleet Farmand love the unique one-stop shopping experience they offer. The combination of everyday essentials alongside specialty departments catering to outdoor enthusiasts, motorheads, pet owners, home cooks and everyone in between makes Mills Fleet Farm a retailer like no other.

Their superstore selection provides endless options for saving money and time. I can knock out all my errands under one roof here, from buying groceries to gifts to grills. And the bargains in every department allow me to find everything my family needs while sticking to my budget.

For convenience, quality and savings rolled into one,Mills Fleet Farmis now my first choice and go-to destination for conquering busy to-do lists. I have a feeling I’ll be returning again and again to uncover more hidden gems in their constantly changing inventory. They really do have it all for less!

My Experience Shopping at Mills Fleet Farm - Fleet Farm (2024)

FAQs

Is Mills Fleet Farm and Fleet Farm the same? ›

A: Blain's Farm and Fleet and Mills Fleet Farm are two different companies. There never has been any business or family connection between them.

Does Walmart own Fleet Farm? ›

In 2016, Mills Fleet Farm was sold to KKR.

Does the Mills family still own Fleet Farm? ›

How Fleet Farm and Blain's Farm & Fleet operate today. In 2016, the Mills brothers sold Fleet Farm to a New York-based equity firm KKR, which manages investments across private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds.

How would you describe Fleet Farm? ›

We are a full-service supplier for life, work, home, farm and outdoor recreation. We combine an unparalleled array of high-quality, value-priced products, convenient services and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, all under one roof. Customers often tell us, “If Fleet Farm doesn't have it, I don't need it.”

What is the Fleet Farm controversy? ›

The lawsuit alleges that Fleet Farm negligently sold firearms to straw purchasers, aided and abetted these criminals, and contributed to gun trafficking in Minnesota by allowing guns to get into the wrong hands.

Is Fleet Farm a Midwest thing? ›

Fleet Farm has been serving hardworking families since 1955. We're built on a foundation of Midwestern values. You could say we're a lot like our customers.

Why is Fleet Farm called Fleet Farm? ›

Stew and Hank Mills, founders of Fleet Farm. Most of the people who qualified as having a fleet were farmers. So in the 1950s a number of different stores popped up throughout the midwest catering to this unique clientele, with names that used some variation of "fleet" and "farm."

Where is the headquarters for Fleet Farm? ›

How much did Mills Fleet Farm sell for? ›

Midwestern retailer Mills Fleet Farm has been sold to New York investment firm KKR, the two organizations announced Tuesday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. A Reuters story in December reported the deal could be worth more than $1.2 billion, including debt.

Who is the CEO of Mills Fleet Farm? ›

Derick Prelle serves as the CEO / President of Mills Fleet Farm. Ann Schlueter serves as the Vice President of Inventory Management of Mills Fleet Farm.

What is the Mills family net worth? ›

The family may be worth about $30 billion, giving them a fortune akin to the Pritzkers, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

What stores are like Fleet Farm? ›

Mills Fleet Farm competitors include The Home Depot, Cabela's, Menards, Tractor Supply Company and S&W Seed Company.

Why is it called fleet? ›

'Fleet' is probably a corruption of 'La Flete' (Norman French for a stream) or 'Fleet' - a stream, creek, inlet or shallow water (Oxford dictionary).

What's the difference between Fleet Farm and farm & fleet? ›

Fleet Farm went westward to Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, while Farm & Fleet went south and east to Illinois and Michigan. The two only overlap in Wisconsin and Iowa.

Will Fleet Farm match Amazon prices? ›

We will match local competitor's prices whether it's a sale price or an everyday price. A local competitor is defined as having a physical location within 50 miles of the Fleet Farm store you are shopping at. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

What company owns Farm and Fleet? ›

Blain's Farm & Fleet is a family-owned business and The Modern General Store™, deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of the Midwest. Blain's Farm & Fleet carries what you need for your home, work and outdoor lifestyle.

What did Mills Fleet Farm sell for? ›

Midwestern retailer Mills Fleet Farm has been sold to New York investment firm KKR, the two organizations announced Tuesday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. A Reuters story in December reported the deal could be worth more than $1.2 billion, including debt.

Does KKR own Mills Fleet Farm? ›

Nate Taylor, a KKR executive who runs the retail businesses within KKR's private-equity portfolio, said that while KKR has acquired majority control of the stock, the Mills family will retain a small ownership stake in the 61-year-old company.

Who bought out Quality Farm and Fleet? ›

Quality Farm Stores Inc. of Muskegon, Mich., the former parent of the chain, is closing the stores as part of a buyout by four investor groups, namely, Tractor Supply Co., Great American Group, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC, and DJM Asset Management, LLC.

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