One of America’s oldest retailers is scaling back.
The Orvis Company, the 169-year-old outdoor outfitter known for fly-fishing gear, apparel, and its unmistakable New England aesthetic, announced it will close 31 stores and five outlets by 2026. The decision, the company says, is part of a plan to “rescale” operations and focus on its most profitable locations as the retail industry adjusts to a wave of new tariffs.
In a company statement, Orvis President Simon Perkins called the move “a difficult but necessary decision” and described it as the start of a “new chapter” for the Vermont-based company.
“Like many in retail, Orvis’ business model faced a sizeable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape,” Perkins said. “To ensure a durable brand and model for decades to come, we’re focusing on our core strengths and reducing our corporate store footprint.”
Founded in 1856, Orvis has survived world wars, recessions, and the rise of online shopping. Its flagship store still stands in Manchester, Vermont, a living postcard of its heritage. But even long-established names aren’t immune to rising import costs.
With tariffs on outdoor equipment and textiles climbing to record highs under recent trade policies, retailers like Orvis and Macy’s have begun closing stores to stay afloat, while Joann closed all its locations earlier this year after filing for bankruptcy. In Orvis’ case, that means leaning more heavily on its network of 550 independent dealers and national retail partners while scaling back its own brick-and-mortar presence.
Perkins says the company will continue investing in “gear, apparel, outdoor experiences, and conservation”—the parts of its business that remain profitable and aligned with its brand mission.
For loyal customers, the closures won’t come without perks. The company plans to run “Last Release” sales at affected stores, offering discounts on styles that won’t return once they’re gone.
Orvis also framed the downsizing as a chance to renew its commitment to conservation, a cornerstone of its identity since its founding. “This focus is about more than products,” Perkins said. “It’s about ensuring Orvis continues to lead in innovation, serve our angling and upland communities, and protect the wild places we love.”
Part of a Broader Retail Reckoning
Orvis’ retreat mirrors a broader pattern across U.S. retail this year.
According to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, retail layoffs spiked 274% in the first five months of 2025 before moderating to 145% year-over-year through October.
Macy’s, for instance, has shuttered dozens of underperforming stores, which faced temporary tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods earlier this year. Even giants like Rite Aid and Bed Bath & Beyond have faced bankruptcy or restructuring in the same period.
The company isn’t disappearing — far from it. Perkins made clear that Orvis plans to “lead in innovation” and focus on experiences, not just retail shelves. That includes expanding guided trips, workshops, and conservation projects that keep the brand connected to the outdoor lifestyle it helped define.
Still, the closures mark the end of an era for a retailer that has been part of America’s outdoor culture for nearly two centuries.
For fans, there’s some comfort in knowing the brand will keep its spirit alive — just with fewer storefronts. And in typical Orvis fashion, it’s handling change the way it handles rivers: by reading the current and adjusting its cast.
Sources: Oregon Live, Reuters, Shop Eat Surf Outdoor, NPR, Challenger, Gray & Christmas