Orchard Nursery exits patio category

By Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 7/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

Orchard Nursery & Florist is getting out of the casual business. Despite sales in the category between $1-$1.5 million, owner and president Tom Courtright announced he is closing the patio part of his business after 40 years, but continuing operations as a nursery and florist.

"We carried very high-end furniture," Courtright said. "We just can't buy right or do it right anymore. We are a high-end, high-service establishment and we can't be competitive. When you can't be competitive, you may as well get out."

According to Casual Living's Powerhouse Specialist listing (September 2005), casual furniture accounted for only 9% of selling space and 16% of sales in 2004 at the Lafayette, Calif.-based store.

Vendors included Alu-Mont, Brown Jordan, Carter Grandle, Gloster, Homecrest, Laneventure, Lloyd/Flanders, Rock Wood Casual, Treasure Gardens, Tropitone, Winston and Woodard.