Linton’s Big R sold to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home

Posted 1/8/19

One of Powell’s most iconic businesses, Linton’s Big R Store, is changing hands.

In a Tuesday morning release, Linton’s Big R CEO Jim Linton and COO John Linton announced that …

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Linton’s Big R sold to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home

Posted

One of Powell’s most iconic businesses, Linton’s Big R Store, is changing hands.

In a Tuesday morning release, Linton’s Big R CEO Jim Linton and COO John Linton announced that they have sold the business’ Powell and Riverton stores to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply.

The brothers said that, after running the two stores for several decades, it was time “to move on to the next chapter” in their lives.

“To all our wonderful customers and team members, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every one of you for the past 58 wonderful years,” the Lintons wrote in their Facebook post. “We are so grateful to not only have been your home, farm, ranch, hardware and auto supplier in Powell and Riverton, but also your friend.”

The Powell Linton’s will be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, before reopening on Friday as a Murdoch’s location; Murdoch’s leaders said they are keeping all of Linton’s current store employees on staff.

Linton’s was founded in Powell in 1960 by Jim and John’s father, Bud Linton, as a small farm and ranch supply store. However, the business grew to become one of Powell’s largest retail stores, carrying tens of thousands of items.

“Almost anything, Big R’s got it,” was the company’s familiar advertising slogan.

Jim and John Linton said that Murdoch’s — which also purchased the Linton’s Big R in Casper in 2009 — has a similar approach to business. That includes stocking many of the same items, commiting to outstanding customer service and providing philanthropic support in the community.

“From our perspective, Murdoch’s is the premier farm and ranch retailer in the west, and our core value of serving the customer, supporting the livelihood of our communities and valuing our team members are completely aligned,” Jim Linton said in a statement. “We feel really good about Murdoch’s leading these two stores — our customers and team members will be in good hands.”

Murdoch’s President and CEO Rick Ungersma said the company was both excited and thankful to acquire the Linton’s Big R stores.

“For decades, John and Jim, along with their teams, have served customers with excellence in their communities,” Ungersma said. “We will work very hard to continue that excellence and earn the support of the Powell and Riverton community.”

He said the company is looking forward to getting to know Linton’s employees and customers.

Murdoch’s is based in Bozeman, Montana, with 12 locations in that state, plus another 12 in Colorado, one in Nebraska and one in Idaho.

With the acquisition of the two Linton’s Big R Stores, Murdoch’s will have seven locations in Wyoming, according to the company’s website. The other Wyoming stores are located in Casper, Cheyenne, Evanston, Laramie and Rock Springs.

Following Monday’s sale, only one Linton’s Big R location remains: Jim Linton is continuing to oversee his Big R Ranch and Home in Jackson.

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