Internet news of the impending closure of all Orchard Supply Hardware stores began to trickle out Tuesday – was confirmed as store employees got the news Tuesday night – and has begun to dawn this morning, Wednesday.
Some patrons contacted outside the store Wednesday morning said they had not heard the news and appeared puzzled as to their possible future source of power tools, plants, and other essentials of suburban living.
“Well, that sucks,” said Oregon contractor Ray Mathers, stocking up on gear for a bathroom remodel he said he had undertaken in Lafayette. “They had a good selection.”
Others opted to put a more humorous spin to the news.
“You should ask Bill (Snyder – owner of the competing Moraga Hardware store across Moraga Way) what he thinks,” suggested customer Grant Almerding. “If you can get him to stop dancing long enough to answer.”
All OSH outlets, including the Moraga location, will be closed by next February, according to a spokesman for Lowe’s – OSH’s parent company. Efforts will be made to place as many of OSH’s 4,300 employees with nearby Lowe’s stores, the spokesman said.
Employees didn’t feel much like talking Wednesday and grim smiles were evident.
Lowes CEO Marvin Ellison said the decision to close the stores was made because they were “not running well,” according to a story in the Los Angeles Times.
Liked and will miss their garden center.
Never did like Lowes. Moraga is really going to miss having a big hardware store. Major fail on Lowes part. I won’t be shopping Lowes thats for sure.