Orchard Supply Hardware

My star rating is based off of the only two visits I’ve made. First of all, I want to share that this hardware store is quite a decent size, surprisingly large for it’s location. With location, I might add, is a pretty-​tricky-​to-​get-​into parking garage. Don’t even think about it during rush hour.
Orchard Supply has a very large variety of all of your hardware needs, I would even venture to say that they have a bit more to offer (in some ways) than the big box stores. When you enter the store there is always someone waiting to greet you and point you in the right direction. However, the first time I visited OSH the young lady asked me what I needed help with and then had absolutely no idea where to lead me. I went off on my own and found what I needed, but in the meantime I met about two or three other younger employees asking me if I needed help and couldn’t seem to point me in the right direction either. This got to be a little annoying, but whatever, at least they were trying, right? On my second visit I was helped by two gentleman who had much more information on what I was looking for and knew exactly where to steer me.
I did notice that OSH has some pretty steep prices. I’m not sure if it’s because this is a smaller franchise or what, but I was pretty shocked at some of them. As far as gardening supplies and soil options go, I will probably opt for Portland Nursery, but their options weren’t too bad for a non-​specialty store. If you’re having keys made I would HIGHLY suggest you scope out your options first — I needed a spare key for my car, just to unlock it, but the guy at the counter told me that the key would cost $ 60 because of the kind of key it was — little did I know he could have made a regular cheap copy that would have only worked in the door (not the ignition). He seemed pretty certain that this was my only option and I was pretty ticked when I realized that it wasn’t. Either way, do your research before you come here so that you get what you want because you can’t always be certain that an employee will give you the correct information.

Location: a little sad as this used to be Hollywood Bowl. I like bowling and this was a convenient location. Now, with sadness, its a convenient hardware store with easy parking… which is hard to find if you don’t want to drive to the ‘burbs.
I was introduced to O.S.H. while living in Los Angeles. I’m not sure if the rebranding is just for us here in Portland or over the entire company. Its a solid store, with decent prices.
The layout is easy, the employees always friendly. Plus, they had a decent Post-​Christmas sale today, too!

This is my second review for this store. I promised to update after the store had been open for a while longer. I have been in 3 times for small items since my last review and i will not be going back. The store was just as clean as it was before, there was just as many people working… though when i actually needed help they gave me a look like i was taking up precious time. my biggest complaint was the cashier. I have never meet a more rude cashier in my life. She actually did the «have a nice day» in the snide F you voice that cashiers are supposed to only joke about using. Why when you have 20 people working do you have the most rude person on the register? that is literally the last straw between the lack of knowledge of the subject and the rudeness of the cashier i will not be returning and i strongly suggest that no one else shops here either.

I’m glad they are here and better than A-​Boy. It’s a pretty store with a good inventory. But OSH, pay the Bureau of Transportation for a marked CROSSWALK before someone gets killed trying to get to your store.
Prices on hardware items (not home items but actual hardware items like bolts and Simpson metal hanging hardware is fine. But the employees are just so clueless. As though they had no idea they were being hired to work in a hardware store. Friendly, but as lost as I would be working in a fabric store. And since I don’t know how to sew — I wouldn’t try or expect to get a job in a fabric store.
I’m not looking for their advice — just where shit is! When 3 employees walk up to you and ask you if they can help and then I describe it, and then I go all Hardware 101 with really basic terms and then even totally simplify it like I am explaining it to a 9-​yr old… and they then get on the radio and have no idea what I am looking for, that’s a problem. They are still nice, but they simply aren’t helpful!. Person in paint department can’t tell me where to find an exterior primer. Person in screws and bolts doesn’t know that stainless bolts are are insanely more expensive and aren’t what you lead me to when I say bolts for INTERIOR use. Person on store floor doesn’t know where they would have tubes of roof patching cement (AKA Blackjack, Henry’s et al)

A beautiful store full of quality goods with a huge, but incompetent staff.
It took three employees and a wild goose chase until we found our item, as only the third employee actually knew where it was.
Then, at checkout, it took us 10 minutes to leave even though there were 4 registers open with only one person ahead of us in each: One checker wanted to just gab, the next one had to make a call (unreturned) to staff for a long price check, and the third was just slow as molasses. Corporate must have it’s eye shut tight about this place.

Personally, I like that OSH has a much more neighborhoody feel than Lowe’s or Home Depot. While their prices often have to be a tad higher because they are a smaller retailer, I am still willing to drive further to shop here. The staff is super attentive and nice. They are EVERYWHERE and try to be very helpful (unlike the giant stores where you can’t find anyone to help you). Although, sometimes all of that attention can become too much.
Up until recently, when they thankfully upgraded their computer system, I’d always have to keep a close eye on the receipt. The old system often didn’t log sale prices in and it was a painfully long process to price adjust. The staff was always happy and patient to do it though, so props to them. Their new system seems much more user friendly so the aforementioned should be a moot point. But old habits die hard and I still check anyway.
Parking is awesome in their spacious garage underneath.

Where to start… I go to lots hardwear stores and I feel like I have a good idea of what can make or break one.
This place does have a lot going for it like location and a pretty good selection.
Downside is there is often like 3 – 8 employees it seems just running around asking you if you need help, I have been asked 6 times by 6 different people in one visit if I needed help. Y’all need to back off with that shit.
As with most hardware stores that have young people working at them they are clueless if you ask a real question like «I need six 4“x3/8^th Grade 8 bolts with compression washers», I got a look like I was speaking in a foreign language.
Don’t ask to help someone if you can’t, and stop bugging the shit out of the people that walk in there.

The prices seem a bit higher than HD or Lowes. Getting to the parking lot is a slight hassle, especially for larger vehicles, but once there, many spaces are available. There is also a small extra outside parking location. The employees are very friendly and helpful. The store has a tremendous number of items in stock, and it is generally well laid out. If this chain learned how to attract customers with sales and pricing a la Harbor Freight, they’d have many more customers, even with this specific store’s dorky location.

This was my first visit to this hardware store and I had no idea what to expect. I figured if it was a bust, I’d head to my ol’ reliable up in upper NE. I had absolutely no issue getting there heading eastbound by car. I noticed issues from other reviews. I’m familiar with the area, though and knew to get in the Halsey underpass and then turn immediately into the convienently located parking garage. It is huge and was easy to navigate.
I usually have issues navigating new territories. After I parked I ventured into the store. It was brightly lit but not harsh light. It was clean and well-​stocked. There was some empty slots in the nuts & bolt area. The associate informed me that they were in the process of getting a new vendor which would fill the spots! Superfluous info, but did inform me of why there was gaps! He assisted me with my project like a freaking personal shopper! Thanks Chris! However it’s important to note that he didn’t hover. He initially directed me. Let me on my own and then checked in. Assisted me when I decided to change direction in my purchase. (I came in for washers, nuts, T-​nuts and a threaded dowel aka «thru-​axel» so i could make a tiered planter)
I was telling the cashier this on the way out and she wanted to see it when i finished. Everyone was just so nice! Seriously! But not pushy. Just asking if I’d been helped. I felt wanted in there. Kinda cult-​like.
Even when I was back down in the parking garage getting back to my car there were two more associates helping another customer load top soil into their car and their took the time to nod towards me and call out thanks for coming in.
It was impossible for me to get in my car without warm fuzzies all over.

So far this store has been ok for quick things we need to pick up and it’s handy. This morning I called twice and spoke to Megan about some paint. Twice she transferred me to «Erica» and the phone just rang and rang. Not good Orchard. Now I call Park Rose Hardware!

What was once the Hollywood Bowling Alley is now a hardware store. Yes, I thought the same thing.
Pro’s– Nice organized floor plan
Nice selection on outdoor patio items
Nice lighting selection.
Friendly staff (hey, I like friendly people in a SERVICE business, call me crazy)…
Con’s– Getting there is a pain in the ass.
Prices are a bit inconsistent
Sale items not clearly marked.

All and all, I will return here and I know they are still getting new stuff in all the time. It’s closer to me than HD, so another option in the Hollywood area is great to see. Shop wisely.

Yes! We are happy to see this store come to Portland. My husband and I love hardware stores, especially now that we are homeowners. This place is full of friendly, helpful people, and really classes up the whole big box hardware store experience. When we can, we shop at small local hardware stores, but there are times you need a big store. And this place does that well!
Very organized aisles, which makes the OCD part of me very satisfied.
I will be back to buy paint for my next DIY project soon.

Lots of very friendly eager to help employees. So why two stars?
Getting there by car: F
Parking: D
Elevator/​stairs to sales floor: C–
With the exception of one or two employees, most are unable to answer basic questions.
Selection: B+, although they only had one type of manual lawnmower in Spring. Watering Cans: your choices are one option for $ 7.99 and then it jumps to $ 89.99!
Prices: C, few items scream value here.
It feels very corporate. Cashiers are «friendly», but they might want to decrease the pep by one or two units.
I rather give my business to a local hardware store or Parkrose Hardware (big, corporate, but with a homey feel.)

Spacious and clean, but omg please stop asking if I need something every 30 seconds! It really does not make for a pleasant shopping experience at that point. I try to avoid every employee I see because of this!
Also, sexist guys work here! One made a «joke» about how chainsaws were on the other side of the store. «Hah hah you’d never need one of those har har har!» I didn’t laugh and tried to continue on my way but he kept insisting it was funny and wanting to keep talking. I turned around and walked the other way.

I generally don’t give bad reviews and I don’t want this to be a rant. But…
This place is pretty. Very pretty. But has been empty of customers each of the three times I’ve been here. This must say something, right?
–The employees are perky and eager. There is a learning curve but that’s expected. They are a TOO eager. It’s probably because the place is empty. I felt like fresh meat.
–Parking is great. But driving here sucks. And I walk here from my business. To walk here I have to go 2 long blocks out of my way to cross at the light or chance legally cross the street at the closer street. I cross at the closer street, of course but I feel like I’m playing whack-​a-​mole with cars.
–Remember I said pretty? Well, the whole storer really is gorgeous and laid out fine, I think. Very clean, of course. The displays are awesome. I like that they have examples of light bulbs lit up. Great idea. The outside seating area is beautiful. Lots of fun places to sit when you PASS OUT FROM THE HIGH PRICES. I mean really, guys! 169.00 for a bamboo/​sisal 6×9 carpet? The next size down (but different carpet) was $ 149. I know we are in a trendy area, but may we please have a cheaper selection, too? I know you can make it pretty and cheap. I’ve seen how you guys do pretty.
–I came in for a no parking sign. The no parking sign was $ 13.99 but the beware of dog sign right next to it, same manufacturer, same size, materials, print, etc., etc., was only $ 1.99. Really? Can we say gouging business owners? (I really was stunned.)
–The men’s room was out of toilet paper AND both soap dispensers were empty on my last visit? How can that be? I can tell you how. The managers are using a different bathroom. When I said something to someone I wasn’t offered TP or soap. But they were very perky.
–Hardly anything is on sale. I mean like 4 things are on sale. When I asked for sale items I was handed a two-​sided flyer. Huh? That’s it? This store is priced way out of my league. I live 2 blocks away but I ride the bus out to Home Depot for $ 5 round trip and still save.
I still think, «Its so pretty there», every time, as I ride by on the bus going to Home Depot.
Joe

While I appreciate having a hardware store at this location, I found the two story model to be a pain in the rear!
I too found them to be more expensive than «the big box» stores. At first I didn’t mind paying more because I thought they were local, but then found out they ARE a big box store… they are owned by Lowe’s!
Bottom line is, they have a nice selection of items, but I had a hard time finding an employee to help me, I don’t care for the layout, and prefer to shop local.

OK, first thing I am going against my buy-​local principles spending money with what is a California company. That said, often our local ACE/​True Value/​Etc. HW stores do not have the inventory for some of my home projects. Additionally, any local store source is selling global conglomerate merchandise anyway and I have found displays a certain lack of interest in me as a customer.
So the compromise for me is to walk over to Orchards. Drivers, access is not as difficult as one reviewer makes it out to be with well marked car access on Halsey from both the east and west sides. Except for rush hour periods when traffic is heavy, turning into the driveway to the underground parking is scarcely a challenge. Sad to hear the bike situation is not totally perfect but they have made an honest attempt.
I actually like the employee to customer ratio; I have found that folks generally know where stuff is located in the vast space. And compared to the Home Depot experience, it enjoyable conducting a search for the perfect HW solution in this store.
If it made sense to drive to a HW store, I might make the trek out to Ace on Sandy past I 205 or even over to the friendly folks at Beaumont. But really, if I need to fix something, I can walk to Orchards and am almost guaranteed I will find a multiple HW options.
I also like the diversity of the folks who work there… I think Orchards is trying hard create a viable alternative and address the needs of this neighborhood.

We are trying to reduce our shopping at the Suck Depot, and I think that Orchard is going to fill in a lot of gaps. They have most of the things that we have recently trekked out to HD for and their staff are super friendly.
They have things like PVC, 12″ patio pavers, bags of soil, buckets, etc. I think between Orchard and Mr. Plywood, we may never have to trek out to H.D. again.
There is a lot of parking underground if you are driving a car. Beware that it isn’t the easiest to get in or out of from Halsey, but driving is hard so just try harder.
I don’t mind that it isn’t local. If they can keep my credit card info safe, I’m sold. Prices seem negligibly more than HD but not as much as the other small hardware stores in SE.

Being the Duke (try to take that away from me… Try!), I want to love this place, but they don’t make it particularly easy.
First, it is really awkwardly located. Convenient to me, but awkward. In order to get there by car, you must go a certain easterly route on Halsey. No other direction or street can get you there legally. The only foot traffic that can get to it must cross at the 42^nd light so if you were driving and you didn’t take the super secret route from the west, you’d find yourself parking on the street, which means you’d have to walk back a block to cross. Unfortunately, this all means I’ve seen a number of folks scamper across the busy four-​lane road to get there. If you don’t take the super secret route from Sandy and instead take the less secret route (both from the east… That’s required… You MUST come from the west) there is a tiny nondescript driveway that you can enter, but be aware that you’ll pass it quickly and you’re likely to get rear-​ended if you don’t.
Say you wanted to avoid all that and ride your bike? Well, they’ve got a few staples, but the ones in front of the store have been installed wrong and will allow for two bikes to park rather than four and only if you have really narrow handlebars. Luckily, they have a pair in the parking garage, but just hope they don’t get more shopping carts to park there (see photo).
Now, with all that out of the way, if you’ve made it into the store, you’ll find a pretty nice place. It’s clean, bright, and they have LOTS of stuff. Not as much as a full-​fledged Home Depot, but as long as you’re not doing contract work or a serious project that you’re going to look back on and think you should have had a contractor do, they’ll likely have you covered.
Of note, they have a bike mechanic. I’m a cyclist so I dig it, but I have to admit I don’t really get it, especially considering we already have three well-​established bike shops within about a half-​mile.
Every time I’ve been in, the place has been a graveyard except for employees. They outnumber customers an easy five to one. Somehow for my return today, despite there being a half dozen folks all at the front entrance, I had to wait (minute or two) for somebody to come from somewhere else to process me. The less obvious downside to there being so few customers is that every employee is available to help you. They’ve all been very kind, but being asked if you need help on every aisle is a bit of a pain.
As has been mentioned by other reviewers, it seems like training and/​or knowledge are a bit lacking. Many employees don’t know what they have or where to find it, and if they do know where it is, they don’t know much about it. Not 100% of the employees, but I’d say most. I never get that feeling at Home Depot.
So… I’m glad Orchard came to town where it did as it is really conveniently located for me, but I’m not sure whoever planned the site did their homework because, while it’s still early, it doesn’t look like they’re doing much business and I don’t really see that changing.

I am very impressed with my first visit to this new location in the Hollywood area. I have never been to an Orchard Supply before so I don’t have any previous shopping experiences. I found it to be well stock for all your basic needs. It was very nice to see that they carry Benjamin Moore paints as they are my favorite brand. I was very impressed by their extensive line of draw pulls. They have a great range of styles and pricing (very cheap to expensive) and it would be hard not to find the right look for your home, from basic to whimsical. They have a nice section of garden furniture with different styles from what I have seen in the other stores. The store itself is nicely set up and since it is brand new has a neatness to it that I hope they can keep up. They have a parking garage under the store (great for this area since parking is at a premium). I also like the sense of humor some of it’s isle signage. (see photos) All and all well worth a visit and a most welcome alternative to the great expanse of Home Depot or Lowes.