The return of Orchard Supply Hardware, sort of
Central Network Retail Group (CNRG), a multi-format, multi-brand retailer currently operating 104 hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards throughout 14 U.S. states, announced plans to open seven stores in California, all in locations formerly operated by Orchard Supply Hardware.
For these stores, CNRG will create a new brand called Outdoor Supply Hardware. This will mark the 16th brand operated by CNRG. While CNRG will bring its own merchandising assortment to the stores, this new brand will also strive to honor the long-standing appeal of Orchard Supply to local consumers and business shoppers by offering many of the same products and services for which the locations were well known, the company said.
John Sieggreen
“These stores have meant so much to these communities over the years and we are excited to be able to bring them back to life,” said John Sieggreen, CNRG president. “These are fantastic locations in highly trafficked shopping centers and we look forward to getting them staffed and merchandised in the next few months so we can be open sometime this fall.”
Mark Baker, former CEO of Orchard Supply Hardware, was instrumental in helping CNRG bring this idea to fruition, the retailer said.
“I know firsthand just how special these stores are to their customers,” Baker said. “When I initially approached CNRG about the concept I was confident we could win back the support of shoppers, team members, and suppliers, and I’m even more certain of that now after having worked on the plan with the CNRG team over the past few months. These seven stores are a great way for CNRG to enter the California market.” Though he will help launch the brand, Baker will not take a permanent role with the CNRG management team, the company said.
CNRG expects the stores to begin opening as early as September.
With deep California roots, Orchard Supply Hardware was founded in 1931. In August of 2018, Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s announced a plan to close all 99 Orchard Supply Hardware stores in order to focus on its core home improvement warehouse model.
For these stores, CNRG will create a new brand called Outdoor Supply Hardware. This will mark the 16th brand operated by CNRG. While CNRG will bring its own merchandising assortment to the stores, this new brand will also strive to honor the long-standing appeal of Orchard Supply to local consumers and business shoppers by offering many of the same products and services for which the locations were well known, the company said.
John Sieggreen“These stores have meant so much to these communities over the years and we are excited to be able to bring them back to life,” said John Sieggreen, CNRG president. “These are fantastic locations in highly trafficked shopping centers and we look forward to getting them staffed and merchandised in the next few months so we can be open sometime this fall.”
Mark Baker, former CEO of Orchard Supply Hardware, was instrumental in helping CNRG bring this idea to fruition, the retailer said.
“I know firsthand just how special these stores are to their customers,” Baker said. “When I initially approached CNRG about the concept I was confident we could win back the support of shoppers, team members, and suppliers, and I’m even more certain of that now after having worked on the plan with the CNRG team over the past few months. These seven stores are a great way for CNRG to enter the California market.” Though he will help launch the brand, Baker will not take a permanent role with the CNRG management team, the company said.
CNRG expects the stores to begin opening as early as September.
With deep California roots, Orchard Supply Hardware was founded in 1931. In August of 2018, Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s announced a plan to close all 99 Orchard Supply Hardware stores in order to focus on its core home improvement warehouse model.