Orvis, America’s oldest outdoor retailer founded in 1856, will close 36 locations by early 2026 in a major restructuring. The Vermont-based company cited unprecedented tariff pressures as the primary driver behind this difficult decision.
President Simon Perkins announced 31 retail stores and five outlet locations will shutter as part of a strategic restructuring to refocus on core products.
The Tariff Impact
The company’s business model faced significant disruption from what Perkins called an “unprecedented tariff landscape” imposed during the Trump administration. Like many retailers importing goods from Asia, Orvis struggled with steep tariff costs, some reaching 145% on certain items.
These import taxes fundamentally altered the company’s profitability and forced difficult decisions about its retail footprint and future direction.
Scale of Store Closures
Orvis currently operates approximately 70 retail locations across the United States, including 64 full-line stores and seven outlet centers. The planned closures represent roughly half of the company’s brick-and-mortar presence nationwide.
Following the restructuring, Orvis will maintain just 33 stores and two outlets nationwide, dramatically shrinking its physical retail footprint to focus on strategic markets.
Employee Impact and Workforce Reductions
While exact numbers weren’t disclosed, the closure of 36 locations will significantly impact Orvis’s workforce across multiple states. The company employs approximately 1,500 people in the United States across retail, corporate, and manufacturing operations.
This follows previous layoffs of 112 employees in October 2024 and another 50 workers in June 2025, totaling over 160 job losses before these closures.
Dealer Network Implications
Orvis partners with more than 550 independent dealers and several national outdoor retailers across the United States and internationally. These dealers, many small family-owned businesses, rely on Orvis products for significant revenue and brand recognition.
The company’s strategic shift will emphasize these wholesale partnerships going forward, potentially affecting dealer relationships and distribution networks as the brand refocuses on core categories.
Company Heritage and History
Founded by Charles F. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont, in 1856, the company claims to be America’s oldest mail-order retailer with deep roots. For 169 years, Orvis built a reputation for quality fly-fishing equipment, outdoor apparel, and sporting goods among enthusiasts.
The Perkins family has owned the company since 1965, maintaining its family-owned status through multiple generations with commitment to heritage.
The Strategic Pivot
Perkins emphasized the company is “returning to our roots” by refocusing on fly fishing and wingshooting—the pursuits at the heart of its heritage and founding. Orvis will significantly reduce lifestyle apparel, home goods, pet supplies, and other non-core products.
This represents a fundamental shift from the diversified retailer it became back to its specialized sporting goods origins that built the brand.
Previous Downsizing Efforts
The current closures follow a year-long downsizing initiative that began in October 2024 with significant changes. At that time, Orvis laid off 8% of its workforce, closed some stores, and discontinued its iconic 170-year-old print catalog.
The company also relocated headquarters from Sunderland to a smaller Manchester, Vermont facility to reduce overhead costs and streamline operations for efficiency.
Manufacturing and Vermont Roots
Despite the closures, Orvis continues manufacturing premium fly rods in Vermont, maintaining a connection to its heritage and craftsmanship. The company takes pride in its American-made fishing equipment, which represents its core identity and values.
However, much of its apparel and other products are manufactured in Asian countries, making them particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts and international trade policies.
Retail Industry Broader Context
Orvis joins a growing list of retailers closing stores in 2025, including Macy’s, JoAnn, Bed Bath & Beyond, and others, contributing to a 274% spike in retail layoffs nationwide.
The retail industry faces mounting pressures from e-commerce competition, changing consumer habits, inflation, and now substantial tariff costs on imported goods. These combined forces are reshaping America’s retail landscape fundamentally.
Financial Pressures and Business Model Evolution
President Perkins acknowledged Orvis reached an “inflection point” requiring bold changes to ensure long-term viability and sustainability for future generations. The company faced challenges from reduced foot traffic, increased operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and competitive pressures. Tariffs became the final pressure point forcing leadership to fundamentally rethink the business model that served them for decades and make difficult strategic choices.
Community and Customer Impact
Perkins expressed gratitude to “significant members of the Orvis family” affected by closures, acknowledging impacts on employees and loyal customers who frequented closing stores for years. Local communities will lose businesses that served as gathering places for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen.
The closures represent not just economic loss but the disappearance of community institutions in many towns across America.
Wholesale Strategy Emphasis
Moving forward, Orvis will strategically leverage partnerships with major outdoor retailers including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Sportsman’s Warehouse to maintain strong market presence. This wholesale-focused strategy reduces overhead costs while keeping products accessible to customers nationwide. The company aims to maintain customer relationships through partner stores, its website Orvis.com, and its extensive dealer network across the country.
Digital Transformation
The discontinuation of the print catalog and reduced store count signals Orvis’s shift toward digital channels and e-commerce platforms for the future. The company will emphasize Orvis.com and its online Learning Center featuring educational content for anglers and hunters.
This digital pivot aligns with broader retail trends but represents a significant departure for a company built on mail-order catalogs and personal service.
Orvis Adventures and Experiential Focus
Despite store closures, Orvis will maintain and invest in Orvis Adventures, its network of endorsed lodges and guided outdoor experiences worldwide. The company operates fly-fishing schools and wingshooting facilities, including prominent locations in Vermont and New York state.
This experiential component differentiates Orvis from competitors and connects directly to its core heritage pursuits of fly fishing and upland hunting.
Conservation Commitment Continues
Orvis emphasized its ongoing commitment to conservation and protecting wild places essential to outdoor pursuits and future generations. The company has long championed environmental causes essential to fishing and hunting through various initiatives.
Perkins stated the refocus ensures Orvis “continues to lead in innovation, serve our angling and upland communities, and protect the wild places we love” for decades to come.
Store Closing Sales and Timeline
Closing locations began offering significant discounts to move inventory, with apparel marked 40% off and some fly-fishing materials reduced 50% or more. Hard goods like rods and reels are not being discounted during this period.
Closing stores will operate through December 24, 2025, with final closures occurring in early 2026. Customers are taking advantage of clearance sales on discontinued products and seasonal items.
Which Stores Are Closing
Orvis has not officially disclosed the complete list of closing locations, creating uncertainty for employees and customers nationwide who await confirmation. Store associates across the country have been informing customers individually about upcoming closures. Orvis operates stores in major markets including New York City, Chicago, Buffalo, and numerous other locations across states awaiting confirmation of their fate in the restructuring.
Employee Support and Severance
Previous layoffs included two months of full pay and benefits, additional severance pay based on tenure, and assistance with health insurance and job transition services. Perkins stated the company handles these processes “with care and regard for our team” and their families during difficult transitions.
However, specific details about support packages for workers at closing stores remain undisclosed at this time.
Company’s Future Vision
Perkins remained optimistic despite dramatic changes, stating “For nearly 170 years, our customers have trusted Orvis as their outfitter for gear and adventure on the water and in the field, and that commitment will remain our compass as we build for the next 170 years.”
The company aims to ensure long-term durability by concentrating on core strengths and adapting to new economic realities in retail.