Orvis, the nation’s oldest outdoor retailer, is set to close 36 U.S. locations by early 2026—a move that signals a dramatic shift for a company woven into the fabric of American sporting life since 1856. The Vermont-based outfitter, long known for its fly-fishing gear and outdoor apparel, is responding to mounting tariff pressures and changing retail realities with a sweeping restructuring plan that will reshape its business and its presence in communities across the country.
Tariffs and the Changing Retail Landscape
Orvis’s decision to shutter 36 locations—31 retail stores and five outlets—comes amid what company president Simon Perkins described as an “unprecedented tariff landscape.” The tariffs, imposed during the Trump administration, have hit retailers importing goods from Asia especially hard. These steep costs have eroded profitability and forced the company to reconsider its traditional business model.
The closures will reduce Orvis’s brick-and-mortar footprint from about 70 locations to just 35 nationwide, a stark contraction for a brand that once prided itself on a broad retail presence. The company’s leadership cited the need to adapt to a retail environment transformed by e-commerce, shifting consumer habits, and inflation—factors that have contributed to a wave of store closures and layoffs across the industry.
Impact on Employees and Communities
The downsizing will have a significant impact on Orvis’s workforce, which numbers around 1,500 employees across retail, corporate, and manufacturing roles. The company laid off 112 employees in October 2024 and another 50 in June 2025. Severance packages in past layoffs included two months of full pay and benefits, with additional support based on tenure, but details for those affected by the new store closures remain unclear.
For many communities, the loss of an Orvis store means more than just economic fallout. These locations have served as gathering places for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen, and their disappearance marks the end of local institutions that have anchored main streets for decades. Customers and employees alike face uncertainty, as the company has not released a full list of closing stores, leaving many waiting for confirmation about their local outlets.
A Return to Core Heritage
Amid these changes, Orvis is charting a return to its roots. The company will refocus on its core categories of fly fishing and wingshooting, scaling back on lifestyle apparel, home goods, and pet supplies that had broadened its product mix in recent years. This strategic pivot is intended to reinforce the brand’s identity as a specialist outfitter, drawing on its 169-year heritage and reputation for quality sporting equipment.
Manufacturing of premium fly rods will continue in Vermont, maintaining a tangible link to the company’s origins and craftsmanship. However, much of Orvis’s apparel and other goods are produced in Asia, making them especially vulnerable to tariff fluctuations and international trade policies—a vulnerability that has shaped the current restructuring.
Wholesale Partnerships and Digital Transformation
Looking ahead, Orvis plans to strengthen its wholesale partnerships with more than 550 independent dealers and major outdoor retailers such as Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. This approach will allow the company to maintain a national presence while reducing the overhead costs associated with operating its own stores. The company’s website, Orvis.com, and its online Learning Center will become increasingly important as Orvis shifts toward digital sales and customer engagement.
The discontinuation of the company’s iconic print catalog and the move to a smaller headquarters in Manchester, Vermont, underscore a broader digital transformation. Orvis is investing in online platforms and educational content for anglers and hunters, aligning with industry trends and the expectations of a new generation of customers.
Preserving Legacy and Looking Forward
Despite the upheaval, Orvis remains committed to its legacy of conservation and outdoor stewardship. The company will continue to support environmental initiatives and invest in Orvis Adventures, its network of endorsed lodges, fly-fishing schools, and wingshooting facilities. These experiential offerings set Orvis apart from competitors and reinforce its connection to the pursuits that have defined the brand for generations.
As the company navigates this period of transition, its leadership emphasizes a vision of long-term sustainability—one that balances tradition with the demands of a rapidly evolving retail landscape. For Orvis, the stakes are high: the challenge is not only to survive but to remain a trusted outfitter for outdoor enthusiasts for decades to come.