Iconic US outdoor retailer announces store closures as tariffs bite

Iconic US outdoor retailer Orvis, which slimmed down its workforce by 8% last year, has announced 36 store and outlet closures.

The business will shutter 31 shops and five outlet locations next year. The brand currently operates more than 70 retail locations and will end up with a footprint of 33 stores and two outlets.

Orvis is reported to have said that it will focus on wholesale – including existing partnerships with more than 550 US independent retailers and ‘several’ national outdoor big box businesses, including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Tariffs are forcing more reductions, according to a statement from Orvis President Simon Perkins. “Like many in retail, the Orvis business model faced a sizeable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape,” he said.

“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 re-scale the business by tightening our assortment and reducing our corporate store footprint.”

Orvis is now concentrating on fishing and hunting, which remains its core customer base. The company still makes fly rods in Vermont, where it has its headquarters.

“Since 1856, Orvis has inspired generations of adventure in the field and on the water. Guided by that same purpose, we are entering an exciting new chapter by returning to our roots and sharpening our focus on the pursuits at the heart of our heritage: fly fishing and wingshooting,” Perkins said. “This focus is about more than products – it’s about ensuring Orvis continues to lead in innovation, serve our angling and upland communities and protect the wild places we love.”

The company continues to run its direct-to-consumer website and its Orvis Adventures business, a network of lodging and guide services that have been endorsed by the brand.

“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,” Perkins said.

Main picture: Orvis