BY MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

WINDSOR—Brandon Watson’s new job didn’t mean going elsewhere.

Watson in January purchased Windsor’s Tidewater Farm and Garden Supply, where he has worked since he was 16.

Watson purchased the store on U.S. Route 460 from Dean and Jackie Blythe, for whom he had worked since high school. He started thinking about buying it when the Blythes began talking about retirement.

“I’ve always loved this store,” Watson said. “I practically grew up here. The regular customers are like family, and I just don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.”

He changed the name to Community Feed and Seed and rearranged the shelves, display cases and counter in the 6,600-square-foot building. It’s more open to allow customers to see the merchandise better.

“I want my customers to feel at home here,” he said. “I want them to come in, take their time and browse around. I’ve even brought back the ‘old-timey’ checkerboard that was here years ago, so some of the old-timers, as well as younger folks, can relax and have a game of checkers.”

The store sells everything from seeds, animal food, animal health and garden supplies, plants and sporting goods to baby chicks and ducks. Watson expects to have rabbits on hand by Easter.

The store’s building is more than 50 years old and had been owned by the Blythes since 1974, Watson said. He plans in the future to expand the building and offer more variety in the merchandise.

“I feel really good about this venture,” Watson said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted. A few years back, I tried working in construction — I only worked there for about three months because I just didn’t like it.”

Watson and his wife, Ashley, and their 3-year-old daughter, Autumn, live in Carrsville.

Brandon Watson is at the store from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Other employees are Teri White, Gregory Preston and Mike Tuck. Melissa Whited is the bookkeeper.

The store will have a grand opening from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2. There will be a drawing for 2,000 pounds of feed, door prizes, an education seminar for veterinarians and horses from U.S. Equine and Rescue League. Food and beverages will be available, and entertainment will be provided by the bluegrass band Shiloh Grass.