I haven't heard that yet.. I have an insider in Appleton that I can ask on Saturday.
I would venture to guess that the list of knowledgeable beeks they will have on payroll will be small. But it would be cool to have one or more......nothing better than BS'n in Fleet on a cold morning...
Your reliable source was just that.....Reliable .....I asked a manager in Appleton and it is confirmed Fleet will be carrying beekeeping supplies :applause:
It will be interesting to see what "brand" they sell. I fear for all the honeybees that will be put in harms way without their beekeepers having a clue.
I seen that at the Coastal hardware in Gresham. They claimed they were packages with hygienic queens. They were 2x the cost of the bees from the club, the gear was all built and also very expensive. It was a thick paint.
I was in Fleet Farm yesterday and saw the Director of Operations. I used to be an Auto Center manager with Fleet so I know him. I talked to him about Fleet selling beekeeping supplies. He was aware they were going to start selling, but had no idea when the supplies would be in the stores. Fleet is planning to do some training for their personnel on the supplies they are going to be carrying. This should be interesting. However, they are going to consider letting our local Association put literature on their shelf by the beekeeping supplies. If we get the green light on that, I'll pass the word here.
You are correct in that Fleet does not manufacture anything. When I talked to the Operations Director I asked that question. He did not know who the supplier was going to be. 1 logical choice would be Mann Lake. I base this on Mann Lake operations in Minnesota. Fleet has operations in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mann Lake would be able to provide products at a rate that would allow Fleet to do a markup. Mann Lake would only have to ship to one location in Appleton, WI. Fleet does all their own product distribution from that hub. This is speculation, but is based on a logical approach to their entry into this market. When I see products on the shelf, I'll be able to tell you if it's Mann Lake or not.
We went to the Appleton store on Sunday to take a look at what they had...... A long stroll through the store and a 1/2 a shopping cart full of other stuff to find out that the beekeeping stuff hasn't arrived yet....
Just to add that Theisens, which is very much like Fleet Farm and has 20 stores spread across Iowa,
is now carrying the same line of beekeeping supplies. The store in Cedar Rapids Iowa has the stuff
in stock.
Whats ironic is that the city of Cedar Rapids has an ordinance against keeping bees.
Selected Fleet Farm stores in Minnesota have been selling bees and related equipment for a number of years. The hive equipment is Little Giant along with other sources for treatment, bottling and others. Based on my experience I might shop elsewhere for Bees. Last year the 3 pound packages were available late in the season, light, a little testy and had a healthy population of mites. But, don't discount the source based solely on my views. I am sure others love the convenience had great luck.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Beesource Beekeeping Forums
1.8M posts
54.7K members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to beekeeping, bee owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, honey production, health, behavior, hives, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!