Lowe’s to Close Nearly 100 OSH Stores

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will vacate 99 storefronts across California, Oregon and Florida after it announced the decision to close the Orchard Supply Hardware chain last week. Acquired out of bankruptcy in 2013 after it was wrecked by Sears, the smaller footprint OSH no longer has a place in Lowe’s long-term plans.

New CEO Marvin Ellison called the move a “necessary business decision” as the company struggles to keep pace with industry leader Home Depot. Plans call for all 99 stores to be closed by the end of the year.