Orchard Supply Hardware Careers in San Jose, CA

1931 was a year of hard times for farmers in San José, California. Two years of drought and crop failures plus the Great Depression brought plenty of economic woe. Thirty farmers, mostly prune growers, considered buying their farm supplies as a cooperative. Each farmer put up $30 and Orchard Supply was born. Business grew and Orchard Supply moved to a larger location on 44 Vine Street. In addition to farm supplies, the new store location brought in hardware, gardening supplies, housewares and homewares. Again, business flourished and in 1946, a new store was built at 720 West San Carlos Street. The newest location featured a rail-served warehouse and 26,000 square feet of retail space. By this time the purchasing cooperative had almost 2,000 members and Orchard Supply was recognized as a leading hardware store in San José. In 1962, Albert B. Smith became president of Orchard Supply Hardware. Under his direction Orchard Supply Hardware grew with branch stores being established throughout the county. In 1973, the Capitola store became the first out-of-county location. In the mid 1970's, a nineteen acre warehouse and office complex in San José was purchased from Sunsweet Growers to serve as a distribution center for all Orchard stores.