Mahurin out at Orchard Supply Hardware

Steve Mahurin has left Orchard Supply Hardware, where the veteran home improvement merchant and retail industry executive held the title Chief Retail Officer.

According to the San Jose, Calif.-based retailer, Mahurin’s position was eliminated as the company transitions to a focus on operations and expansion. 

“Steve was instrumental in helping us launch the vision and the brand,” said Bob Tellier, Orchard’s senior VP of merchandising. “Our needs now are in the areas of operations and execution, and that’s where we are focused.”

Orchard has 72 stores, mostly in California. Its stated goal is to reach 100 stores and $1 billion in sales in three years.

The company is carving a retail niche with a midsize and full-line hardware store – typically about 32,000 square feet plus a garden center -- with a focus on paint, repair and the backyard. The store design can be described as a combination of the traditional and the upscale. 

Orchard is owned by Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s, but operates as a standalone company.

Before joining Orchard Supply Hardware in 2011, Mahurin served as executive VP merchandising for Office Depot where he was responsible for all merchandising and related functions. Previously, he held the position of senior VP and chief merchandising officer for True Value, where he oversaw the merchandising and supply chain organization.

Prior to his time with True Value, Mahurin held a number of senior positions over nearly 13 years at The Home Depot, where he ultimately served as a senior VP.

The elimination of Mahurin’s position coincided with the reorganization of the retailer’s regions and consolidating operations under an existing regional VP.

“All of the focus is on opening new stores and managing our growth,” Tellier said.