First Round Of Orchard Supply Closures Announced: Pinole Store Spared

Orchard Supply Hardware, which filed for bankruptcy Monday, has released an initial list of stores headed for the chopping block.

The company's store in Pinole is safe — for now.

On Wednesday, the hardware retailer, which operates 91 stores throughout the state, posted a list of eight locations slated for closure on its news website www.orchardrestructuring.com, which was created to address the bankruptcy and transition.

The initial hit list includes stores in Newark, Citrus Heights, Fairfield, Huntington Beach, Lone Tree, Long Beach, Midtown and Vacaville.

There's no word on what eventually will happen to the Orchard Supply store on Fitzgerald Avenue in Pinole.

“We are still reviewing store performance and cannot say with certainty which other stores may close or when,” the company stated in an FAQ.

Though no date for the closures were given, the FAQ states that closing sales will be held later this month at the eight locations on the list.

The company also confirmed on Wednesday that Lowe’s has agreed to acquire a majority of OSH’s assets for $205 million in cash. Lowe’s will continue to operate the acquired stores under the Orchard Supply brand, according to the press release.

“At the completion of the sale process, Orchard will operate as a separate, standalone business, with the same brand, management team, associates and commitment to putting our customers first,” the company stated.

Though there’s no word yet on which stores would be picked up by Lowe's, the speculation is the neighborhood hardware and garden stores in areas where Lowe's lacks a presence would be top priority.