Orange County Register

Irvine-based Hines Horticulture on Wednesday filed for bankruptcy protection.

The company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate a sale of all or most of its assets. 

Hines Horticulture said in a statement that it operates one of the largest commercial nursery operations in North America, producing and distributing one of the broadest assortments of ornamental shrubs, color plants and container-grown plants in the industry.

Founded in 1920, it also operates 7 nurseries in four states, including one in Irvine (pictured above).

It sells its products to more than 1,180 retail and commercial customers, representing more than 6,670 outlets throughout the U.S., including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart.

The company said in a court document that it has “significantly greater than expected declines in revenue” for several reasons:

• inclement weather
• decline in economy and U.S. housing market, which has resulted in significantly less landscaping
• pricing pressure from some of its largest customers

Hines Horticulture has also been affected by significant price increases for raw materials and transporation expenses related to high fuel prices.

(Photo from Hines Horticulture Web site.)

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• Target matches Walmart prices
• Mervyn’s plans to close 4 O.C. stores
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• Hair salon chain to close up to 160 stores
• Goodyear to close up to 92 stores

For more from OC Retail, see list of links on right-hand side of this blog.

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