Allied Farmers retail store sale to RD1 'great news'

Federated Farmers is applauding cooperatively owned RD1 acquiring the assets of Allied Farmers Rural Merchandise, guaranteeing no loss of rural servicing in Taranaki.

“This removes a lot of uncertainty and is excellent news for the communities in which the stores are based,” says Harvey Leach, Federated Farmers Taranaki provincial president.

“Given Yarrows current receivership, the purchase is especially good news for Pungarehu and Manaia.

“Federated Farmers has spoken with RD1 and while three stores will close, in New Plymouth, Hawera and Stratford, they are in centres where a number of other rural retailers already exist. Despite this, there will be no real loss of rural servicing.

“The remaining stores in Manaia, Eltham, Pungarehu, Waverley, Inglewood, Piopio and Opunake as well as the leased store in Taumarunui, will all join the RD1 stable.

“It’s been no secret that the shelves of all 11 stores were becoming increasingly bare. But throughout a time of uncertainty, the staff and management of these stores worked hard to assist farmers.

“Knowing a number of these staff myself, I am incredibly rapt as it will help keep talented people in Taranaki.

“Farmers can now expect to see all eight stores fully stocked and that will be of great assistance with calving underway and lambing about to start.

“I am also pleased RD1 will do its best by the 45 staff involved probably reflecting RD1’s cooperative ownership,” Mr Leach concluded.