Carmen Hopson knows a thing or two about the challenges of finding the right supplies for any backyard or full-scale farm. That’s why the savvy businesswoman will be opening her very own store, Erion Farm and Ranch Supply, on April 1st, no joke. With a storefront located just three miles from Bowdon’s city center, she’ll be supporting local growers with gardening supplies, fencing materials, grass seed, pet food, and so much more.
Hopson had observed over the years that rural co-ops and local stores make all the difference in meeting the immediate needs of west Georgia’s farmers because they themselves know exactly what’s going on in the community. And coming from a family of business people who have been supporting farmers for generations, Hopson’s store will be curated for the community’s needs.
“Growing up in the area, I already knew what I needed to have. But those first steps are scary!” she admits. Having just bought the storefront in December, she has had to inventory each of her products as they come in. However, she proudly credited her family, especially her fiance, with the encouragement she needed to step out in continuing her family legacy.
“It’s been exciting to see how my dreams come to fruition,” she beams. She also expresses her gratitude for the curious locals who have stopped by to check on her progress.
She adds that Erion Farm and Ranch Supply will have a little bit of a twist to it, different from her family’s stores: there will be a free coffee table where customers can quite literally make themselves at home as they shop, creating an environment where her guests feel comfortable and supported in their homesteading journey.
Even as she prepares to launch her grand opening next month, Hopson plans to add even more products like workwear, keeping tabs on certain brands as they will eventually search for new retailers. In the meantime, though, she’s hard at work setting up the orders that have arrived.
Erion Farm and Ranch Supply will be located on 30 Dot Road in Bowdon, across the highway from Hyatt’s Mower Repair. You can help celebrate their opening by joining them on Saturday, April 1st from 8:00 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. where they will have giveaways for their first day’s customers. Their hours will be 8:00 A. M. to 6:00 P. M. Monday – Friday, and 8:00 until 2:00 for Saturday. They will be closed on Sundays.
