Orchard Supply president describes ‘shining’ future

San Jose, California-based Orchard Supply Hardware president Richard Maltsbarger said the future looks bright for the West Coast chain, especially after a $20 million investment in Northern California stores.

The investment includes a complete rebuild of the Orchard Supply Hardware San Jose – Midtown, which will serve as the flagship of the 73-store chain that stretches from Portland, Oregon, to Southern California.

“The San Jose – Midtown Orchard location reflects our deep California roots dating back to 1931 when the first store was founded by a cooperative of Santa Clara Valley fruit growers,” said Maltsbarger. “The brand new store, built and designed from the ground up, is a statement about the shining future of the Orchard Supply Hardware brand and our plans for future growth all along the West Coast.”

Additionally, Orchard has invested to remodel and modernize stores in San Rafael, Livermore and East Modesto. Every remodeled and new Orchard store reflects the company’s new neighborhood format, which is designed to optimize traffic flow and minimize wait time -- all enhanced by Orchard’s legendary customer service.

Orchard is owned by Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe’s. The California chain operates, however, as a stand-alone business.

“We have a significant opportunity to capture market share not being met by big-box or smaller, specialty retailers,” said Maltsbarger. “We meet the specific needs of local customers focusing on the unique features of their neighborhoods. For example, a neighborhood with predominantly multi-family units will have different hardware and garden needs than a store in a suburban community.”