Rural King announces merger of Champaign, Rantoul stores

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Rural King may be expanding its footprint, but Central Illinois is losing one location in a planned merger.

The company said it is embarking on a “significant growth phase” that will add five stores this year and another 10 in 2025. Rural King is also expanding to a 14th state. However, the company is making changes to three of the stores that are already open.

Rural King representatives said the two stores in Champaign and Rantoul will be consolidating in the Champaign location this week. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, the company will be relocating one of its stores.

“Rural King is entering an exciting phase of growth,” Steve Barbarick, president and CEO of Rural King, said. “As a family-owned business with 64 years of history, Rural King has always been deeply committed to serving our friends, family, and neighbors across our communities. These strategic changes will allow us to build even stronger relationships with our customers, create new jobs, and support the growth of rural America.”

The company credits its growth to “the passion of its associates and their dedication to serving rural communities.”

“My family is honored to continue investing in the growth and development of Rural King and its associates,” Alex Melvin, owner of Rural King said. “None of this would be possible without their loyalty and dedication to our customers. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our communities.”

The company estimates that the growth will add 750 new jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural American communities.

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