MARSHALL — Runnings has reached an agreement to purchase R.P. Home & Harvest stores, according to the Marshall-based home, farm and outdoor retail company with store located in New Ulm.

With the addition of the 22 R.P Homes in Midwest communities, Runnings will expand to 80 locations, serving customers in 12 states from New York to Montana. The R.P. Home stores are located in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

“From the customers and the communities to the employees and vendors, we truly feel this is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved,” Brian Odegaard, President of Runnings, said in the Runnings release on the agreement. “These stores and communities are very similar to the markets we presently serve and, after many discussions with R.P. Home & Harvest’s leadership, both companies knew this would be a great fit from a culture, values, and operations standpoint.”

The transaction between Runnings and R.P. Home & Harvest is scheduled to close in June. The stores will continue operating as R.P. Home & Harvest for a limited period of time as Runnings transitions the stores to their well-known brand.

“It’s pretty amazing how quickly this all came together,” Jason Plummer, President of R.P. Home & Harvest, said. “Just a couple of months ago this wasn’t even on the radar but when a win-win opportunity appears, it is an exciting thing. Runnings has been doing this for over 75 years, and they are one of the top farm, home, and outdoor-store companies in America, extremely well-regarded by customers and competitors. We are both family-owned companies and that means a lot to us.

Runnings is a privately held retailer selling an extensive selection of pet supplies, sporting goods including hunting and fishing equipment, clothing and footwear, lawn and garden supplies, housewares, tools, farm supplies, toys, and outdoor equipment. Founded in 1947 and owned by the Dennis and Adele Reed Family, the Company currently has 58 stores and employs more than 2,700 workers across eight states.