Orvis plans to close 31 full-price stores and five outlets by early 2026, as it also refocuses on its roots in fly fishing and bird hunting, seeking to reverse a recent shift toward lifestyle offerings.
Company President Simon Perkins said in a media statement, “Like many in retail, Orvis’ business model faced a sizable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape. For more than a century and a half, we’ve been committed to being leaders in our space for customers and partners, beginning with our industry-leading fly rods still crafted in Vermont today. To ensure a durable brand and model for decades to come, we are focusing on our core strengths and making the difficult but necessary decision to rescale the business by tightening our assortment and reducing our corporate store footprint.”
The Vermont-based fly-fishing brand, retailer and adventure planner reports that it “sells through more than 550 domestic independent dealers and several national outdoor retailers.” The company also has stores in the U.K.
Orvis declined to identify which locations are closing.
In the statement, Perkins added, “We will be concentrating on a more focused retail store portfolio, as well as brick-and-mortar opportunities through our valued dealer network. We know this impacts people who are significant members of the Orvis family.”
The retailer sells through some 400 dealers. It will continue to operate its website and its Orvis Adventures business, which offers “endorsed lodges and experiences,” Perkins said.
Perkins added, “Looking ahead, we are investing in the areas where Orvis makes its greatest impact — world-class gear and apparel, unforgettable experiences, and a deep commitment to conservation. As part of this transition, Orvis will offer special savings on ‘Last Release’ styles that will not return once they are gone, along with substantial savings at closing store locations.”
Orvis announced in June 2025 plans to lay off 4 percent of its workforce, or approximately 50 employees, by the end of the year due to the impact of tariffs.
In October 2024, Orvis announced plans to lay off 8 percent of its workforce, or 112 employees, as well as close some of its retail stores and discontinue its iconic catalog “to enable a smaller and more agile business.”
Founded in 1856 in Manchester, VT, Orvis claims to be the oldest mail-order retailer in the United States, selling fishing equipment, bird hunting gear and outdoor apparel.
Image courtesy Orvis
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