Kellogg, founded in Manteo, expands to the west

Gordon Kellogg

In 1946, the United States economy was emerging from World War II and the future was uncertain. In what was then a very remote corner of North Carolina, Gordon Kellogg opened Kellogg Supply Co. in Manteo, using lumber salvaged from an abandoned U.S. Navy base.

The company’s motto: “Everything to Build Anything.”

On April 15, as the economy emerges from another challenging era, Kellogg Supply continues to demonstrate the same optimistic spirit. Kellogg will open its sixth location — the company also operates locations under The Cottage Shop and Kellogg Design Center — in Edenton.

Kellogg’s expansion is also important in another way: A locally based business is expanding its operations several counties away. Typically we would be reporting on the expansion of a regional or national chain into our county.

Chris O’Neill, Kellogg’s vice president of finance, said: “It is no secret that housing and any building related-industry has been in the biggest downturn since the Great Depression.  We are fortunate in these difficult times to be able to continue to operate and expand thanks to our loyal customers.”

The Edenton facility boasts 6,200 square feet of retail space, 2 acres of lumber yards and two 7,000-square-foot warehouse buildings. In keeping with the company’s motto, Edenton will offer retail shoppers lawn and garden supplies, live plants and shrubs, outdoor living, paint, power and hand tools, hardware, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical products.

Builders will find lumber and other materials. Cottage Shop accents will also be offered to coordinate with outdoor living, lawn and garden and seasonal merchandise.

O’Neill said the choice of Edenton had been well-planned.

“Kellogg Supply has been looking to enter the Edenton market for over five years,” he said.  “We believe in the community and want to be the local full-service home improvement store where a customer can find everything they need from lumber to lawn and garden with excellent customer service, competitive pricing and quality products.”

The Edenton operation will create 15 to 20 new full and part-time positions, good news for any community during the current economic upheaval.

The grand opening will take place on April 15 and 16, with free food, a NASCAR simulator and thousands of dollars in prize giveaways slated for the big event. The new location is at 409 W. Queen Street.

Kellogg continues to be a family-owned business and employs 75 people, including the Edenton location. Store hours are currently scheduled to be Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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