Campbell said there might be many reasons for the decline of the hardware store. As he explained, they always referred to it as a farm hardware shop. In part, they had wares for cow-calf operations. There are getting to be fewer farmers involved in the cattle business. As well, COVID might have had an impact. With restrictions on shopping, people figured out how to get products electronically and delivered to their doorstep. This change may not be the only challenge they are facing, but it could play a role.
“The successful farmer today will have to plan ahead. They are finding a way to get the product to their door.”
Right now, Pembina operates other services in Minto, such as fuel, seed, chemicals and fertilizer. Campbell said for reference, the hardware is presently making up less than one percent of their total business. He understands the closure might not please every member, but under the circumstances keeping the hardware open is hard to defend.
“We just don’t think it’s sustainable.”
Pembina in Minto presently employs eight full-time staff members. Campbell said no one would lose their jobs from this move; they will simply be redeployed in other parts of the business. There are presently no concrete plans for the building either, apart from perhaps using the back storage room for seed storage.
There are some plans for the fuel pump area. Campbell said they are looking to add a cardlock system there, which will allow members to access fuel, both clear and purple for farm vehicles, 24 hours a day. To do this, they are looking to refurbish the existing tank on site. The ability for farmers to access purple fuel at the station, as opposed to only bulk delivery at the farm as of now, will be something the manager feels will be well used by their customers.
“For a lot of people, the fuel goes directly into half-tons and smaller equipment. I think it will be good for Minto as a community.”
Campbell said the plans for this development are sometime in 2022. He added this is the type of change that is positive.
“The cardlock situation is a case of us moving money and deploying resources into something we are good at. There are aspects of the business that need the money and expansion and hopefully we can make other parts of the business better.”
They are planning to shut down the hardware store shortly. This week, items are 50% off, with the savings increasing in value next week. The initial plans are for the store to be closed to the public by December 6, but that might be impacted by the amount of inventory still in the building.
Minto has had a cooperative in the community for more than 100 years. In 2007, they joined in with Pembina. Campbell said change is part of the business situation. At one point, he stated, they sold coal. There has actually been a fair bit of positive business development there over the years. Since joining Pembina, Campbell said, there has been nothing but adding services. A new fertilizer shed was built, allowing them to expand in an area they were not in before. They received a new fuel truck this year. People often talk about areas that are taken away, but forget about what has been added. He said there are absolutely no plans for the Co-op to disappear from the Minto scene.
“Business changes,” Campbell said, “and we try to adapt as best we can, to remain relevant to our members. We are not closing the Minto location, that is the furthest thing from the truth.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff