A mass shutdown for the outdoor behemoth
Orvis, the classic outdoor retailer with nearly 170 years of operation, made a huge announcement of shutting down its United States locations en masse. The corporation confirmed that 36 of its locations will close forever by 2026, citing consumer trends, the push towards e-commerce, and the increased expense of maintaining brick-and-mortar locations.
Founded in 1856, Orvis is America’s oldest outdoor business that has been known for its enhanced quality fishing gear, clothing, and home decor. Despite its heritage years and devoted base, the company announced it’s “moving to a modern retailing environment” where more is sold online than it is in stores.
This was not a simple decision,” Orvis said in a statement. “But to stay competitive and serve our customers as well as we can, we must be at the forefront of efficiency and innovation.”
Why Orvis is closing so many stores
The closures are only one aspect of a larger effort to become more efficient and put more money behind internet sales. Orvis has seen dramatically elevated online sales in the past few years, especially since the pandemic, that has irreversibly changed how Americans purchase outdoor goods.
Industry experts point out the shutdowns also reflect broader problems confronting specialty retailers. Higher rent, labor expenses, and supply chain challenges have affected companies with high reliance on revenues from physical stores.
“Even premium brands such as Orvis are not immune to the e-commerce phenomenon,” retail analyst Mark Holman said. “It’s a tough environment out there, especially for those stores in high-cost markets or those that are under-traffic’.”
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The cities and states to shut Orvis shops
While Orvis hasn’t completely closed brick-and-mortar shopping, there are a few shops found in big cities and small towns. Closures are to phase out by late 2026. Some of the most visited locations to close are listed below:
- Florida: Miami, Naples, Sarasota, Palm Beach Gardens
- California: Pasadena, San Diego, Palo Alto
- New York: Manhattan, Rochester
- Massachusetts: Boston and Dedham
- Texas: Dallas and Houston
- Colorado: Denver and Boulder
- Illinois: Chicago
- North Carolina: Charlotte
- Virginia: Alexandria
- Washington: Seattle
There are also several smaller venues in the Northeast and Midwest included, although Orvis states that it will continue to maintain its Manchester, Vermont and New York City flagship stores for the moment.
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What customers can expect
Orvis states that it will continue to honor all its delivery promises, returns, and fixes regardless of whether the stores with which they are involved close their operations. The customers will simply continue shopping online through the company’s site, where it will still feature its top-selling fishing, hunting, and outdoor lifestyle brands.
To boot, Orvis plans to invest in strengthening its digital customer experience and establishing its digital brand. This includes virtual consultations, online tutorials, and web-exclusive products that cannot be purchased elsewhere.
“We’re not leaving our customers behind,” the company said. “We’re simply meeting them where they are — online.”
A sign of changing times
The news that Orvis is closing 36 stores is only the most recent illustration of the way retailing is evolving in America. From apparel firms to home improvement retailers, firms are reassessing how they can align physical space and web sales.
For some, the closings, though, are a tad melancholic. Orvis stores have been more than just stores for decades — they’ve been clubs for outdoorsmen, fly-fishing men, and nature enthusiasts.
“I’ve been shopping there in the Orvis store in Boston for 20 years,” said one customer. “It’s sad to hear that it’s closing, but I understand that the world changes.”
What’s next for Orvis
Despite the store closures, Orvis insists that it is not fading away. The company will keep opening in some of the most important markets and on the web across the country. It’s also going to roll out new experiential stores in various locations where they’ll focus on outdoor workshops and tailored services rather than direct retail.
As Orvis celebrates almost two centuries in business, the company remains faithful to its founding mission — uniting humans and nature. Online or at the few remaining stores, Orvis remains dedicated to maintaining its tradition of craftsmanship, conservation, and discovery for generations to come.
