Exploring the Massive Outdoor Store That Has It All
Growing up in Iowa, Fleet Farm was a staple of my childhood. Every weekend meant a trip to pick up bait for fishing or new boots for working on the farm. Now that I’m back visiting family in Cedar Rapids, I decided to relive those fun memories with a trip to the local Fleet Farm. What an adventure it was!
As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I felt like a kid again seeing that familiar red Fleet Farm sign. The store is located at4202 1st Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402and their phone number is(319) 366-2932.
Stepping through the automatic doors, I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place. Fleet Farm is like an old-fashioned general store on steroids, carrying everything imaginable for farm, home, auto, outdoor living and more. From hunting gear to housewares, tools to toys – they’ve got it all under one roof!
Exploring the Store Section by Section
My first stop was the automotive department to pick up somewindshield wiper fluid. They have a full service center here that does oil changes, tire rotations and more. Thetire centeris fully stocked with all the major brands and the techs really know their stuff.
Next I wandered over to the home and hardware section which has every tool imaginable. My dad would go nuts over their selection ofpower tools, workbenches, lumber and home improvement supplies.For the DIYer, this section is heaven.
Being back in Iowa, I couldn’t leave without checking out their legendaryfishing Gear. The hunting and fishing department carries everything from firearms to livebait– it’s like a mini Cabela’s! I saw fishing rods, reels, tackleboxes and an entire aisle dedicated to camo clothing.
The clothing section hasamazing dealson workwear, boots and casual fashions for the whole family. I even found some cute Iowa Hawkeyes t-shirts on sale!
Theirgarden centerwas just getting stocked for spring with plants, pots, soil and gardening tools. I’ll have to tell my mom to come pick up some flowers here. We used to get our garden seeds at Fleet Farm every year!
Something for Everyone in the Family
One thing I love about Fleet Farm is they don’t just cater to farmers and outdoor enthusiasts. They also have over 100,000 items for the home, BBQ grills, toys, pet supplies, seasonal items and so much more.
In the grocery section they carry all the popular national brands but also a lot of local favorites likeIowa pork, cheese, jam and honey. Supporting Iowa producers is really important to them.
The toy aisles put some dedicated stores to shame. It was like walking through a wonderland for kids with action figures, games, stuffed animals and ride-on toys. And the Joe Muggs coffee shop inside makes it easy for parents to enjoy a snack while kids explore.
Something new since my childhood is the bigpet department. They have everything for furry friends like beds, toys, treats and even live fish for aquariums. And pets are welcome to shop here! I saw several dogs on leashes exploring with their owners, which made my day.
Special Services to Make Shopping Easy
Over the years, Fleet Farm has really expanded to make shopping more convenient. I was thrilled to see they now offer services like:
- Curbside pickup so you can shop online and have items brought out to your vehicle.
- Home delivery for bulkier items like grills, refrigerators or patio sets.
- Installation and assembly for appliances, outdoor equipment and more.
- Automotive services like oil changes while you shop.
- Rewards program to earn points on purchases for discounts.
They’ve really stepped up their game to compete with online shopping. The in-store pickup saves so much time and headache!
Safety First During COVID-19
Of course, COVID-19 has changed some things about the in-person shopping experience. I was impressed to see Fleet Farm is taking all the necessary precautions to keep people safe and healthy.
There were prominent signs requiring masks inside the store and social distancing of 6 feet or more. They limited occupancy to 75% capacity and had plastic shields at all registers. I felt very comfortable shopping there.
The aisles were wide, the store was spotless and associates wiped down carts regularly. It was easy to avoid other shoppers. Fleet Farm is doing safety right during these trying times!
Something for the Whole Community
Another thing that impressed me is Fleet Farm’s commitment to the local community. They partner with charities and nonprofit groups on fundraisers and drives. They also host free public events likefishing seminars, crafting workshops, and safety courses in their community room.
During the holidays they organize Christmas toy drives for kids in need. And they work closely with the DNR for hunter safety education courses. Fleet Farm stores really engage with every segment of their community from parents to seniors, outdoor enthusiasts to hobbyists.
Visiting this Cedar Rapids Fleet Farm reiterated for me why people love these stores. They’ve been a community stapin for decades because they have something for everyone. The prices are reasonable, the selection is unbeatable, and the staff truly cares. If you’re in the Cedar Rapids area, I highly recommend stopping by Fleet Farm and rekindling that sense of childhood wonder. You never know what hidden gems you might find in Iowa’s very own general store!
