At Tarleton State University, hands on learning has always been a priority. Tarleton State’s student run store, The Purple Tractor, takes hands on learning to a new level. This unique store offers a wide range of products from locally raised meat to student designed apparel. Every item you find on the shelf has the touch of a Tarleton State Student in some way. Open to the entire community, The Purple Tractor is where our core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Respect come together to create something truly special.
Products
The Purple Tractor offers a variety of products to help serve the whole community. Some of their top products include:
Meat
All meat sold at the Purple Tractor is raised and packaged right here in Stephenville. Students raise the animals, package the meat. determine the price, and put that price in the Purple Tractor’s system. They offer all types of meats such as steaks, sausages, ground beef, and more.
Flowers
Flowers from the Purple Tractor are not just any old flowers. These flowers were hand picked by students. Student receive orders for flowers then they trim and count the flowers. The order then gets received into point of sales. Finally the student run marketing team promotes that product on social. The Purple Tractor offers prearranged bouquets or you can build your own. Flowers that do not get sold or die are then reused to create biodegradable confetti that you can also buy!
Apparel
All apparel found at the purple tractor has been designed by a student. Students are frequently drawing new designs for the shirt and crew necks found at the store. Each piece is unique and is not recopied.
Gardening Supplies
With horticulture students running the Purple Tractor green house, you can ensure your garden gets the best treatment. The Purple Tractor offers native and seasonal plants, planted and cared for by students, plant nutrients which is formulated by students, and gardening supplies to make your garden bloom!
Décor
Looking to add a touch of uniqueness to your home? Décor from The Purple Tractor brings together the creativity and craftsmanship of Tarleton students, giving your space a vibrant, one-of-a-kind feel. From handmade wooden benches crafted by ag mechanics students to stunning canvas photography captured by ag communications students, these pieces will make your home the centerpiece of conversation.
Discounts & Giving Back
All Tarleton State students, faculty, and alumni receive a 10% discount on items bought from The Purple Tractor. This is not the only way that The Purple Tractor works to give back to its students. Every single sale made at The Purple Tractor goes back to better their education. The money raised from the purple tractor help to fund agriculture programs at Tarleton State, buy new materials, and help to increase student opportunity.
Student Involvement
Along with helping to create and design all the products, students also manage the business side of The Purple Tractor. Students decide on the prices of all goods in the shop. Then they input them into the system so when someone goes to check out the price is already in the computer. Students also ask customers what else they want to see in the store so they have an idea of what kind of products would be best to sell. The Purple Tractor also has an Ag Business major who does the books, manages receipts, and works with the Tarleton State Business Office to make sure The Purple Tractor’s records are in order. By the time students stop working at The Purple Tractor, they have the knowledge to open and run their own brick and mortar retail store.
“The sense of community that is drawn in at The Purple tractor is incredible because there are so many people from so many walks of life who shop here.”
Pop Ups and Store Hours
The store is opened all year round: Monday – Friday 12-6 & Saturday 10-4. They follow the school calendar so they are closed on school holidays.
The Purple Tractor also holds pop-up events around town. You can find them at the Sodexo farmer’s market on campus, the Stephenville farmer’s market, or throughout campus. Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date on all the latest updates including pop-ups, new products, and changing hours.
Check out these pictures to get a closer look at more products The Purple Tractor sells and their day to day operations!
