Orvis hard times....

[46er]

Refocus, closing stores. https://vtdigger.org/2025/10/02/orvis-t ... arly-2026/

[Rusty Spinner]

Refocus, closing stores. https://vtdigger.org/2025/10/02/orvis-t ... arly-2026/

I saw that. Orvis stores have always suffered, at least those around here. I can think of a bunch that were "company stores" that went under. Short Hills Mall is one that comes quickly to mind.

[46er]

There was one off RT 73 in Marlton along with a large LL Bean. Orvis closed maybe 5 years ago, Bean is still there.

[Rusty Spinner]

My kind is a dying breed. Orvis made its money from fly fishing and bird hunting. There are so few who still bird hunt over good dogs with nice gear these days. Fly fishing is holding its own, but new anglers don't care about stodgy brands like Orvis. It's whatever the best deal is on the internet.

[46er]

I stopped Quail hunting in 2014 when my Brit checked out at 16. Raised and trained them for about 15 years. Local tackle shop, Hook House, hunts with Brit's.

[Bubba Zinetti]

Wow, people still post here. I guess I'll have to visit a little more often.
On to Orvis: Here is the state ment from Orvis President
"A year ago, Orvis began an effort to strengthen its business by scaling it down. The retailer at that point announced layoffs of 8% of its workforce, the closure of some of its 80-plus locations and the end of its famous catalog.

Tariffs are forcing more reductions, according to a statement from Orvis President Simon Perkins, whose grandfather acquired the company 60 years ago.

“Like many in retail, Orvis’ business model faced a sizeable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape,” he said, adding, “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 rescale the business by tightening our assortment and reducing our corporate store footprint.”"

They are still doing DTC on the website, and still partnering with major retailers. As far as I can tell, the current outlook for the Fly fishing industry is 3-5% growth over the next 3 years. More women, and youths (utes?) are fishing and taking up fishing. Trends seem to indicate this is greater than the "aging out" problem. It also seems that the high end market is suffering. Why spend $$$$$ for a new 6 weight, when the old trusty 9' 5 wt will do the job.

[Rusty Spinner]

Wow, people still post here. I guess I'll have to visit a little more often.
On to Orvis: Here is the state ment from Orvis President
"A year ago, Orvis began an effort to strengthen its business by scaling it down. The retailer at that point announced layoffs of 8% of its workforce, the closure of some of its 80-plus locations and the end of its famous catalog.

Tariffs are forcing more reductions, according to a statement from Orvis President Simon Perkins, whose grandfather acquired the company 60 years ago.

“Like many in retail, Orvis’ business model faced a sizeable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape,” he said, adding, “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 rescale the business by tightening our assortment and reducing our corporate store footprint.”"

They are still doing DTC on the website, and still partnering with major retailers. As far as I can tell, the current outlook for the Fly fishing industry is 3-5% growth over the next 3 years. More women, and youths (utes?) are fishing and taking up fishing. Trends seem to indicate this is greater than the "aging out" problem. It also seems that the high end market is suffering. Why spend $$$$$ for a new 6 weight, when the old trusty 9' 5 wt will do the job.

Of course, tariffs would be a non issue if they manufactured in the US......and I agree on the high end rods. A thousand dollars for a fly rod is insanity. Glad I have my many "connections" within the industry.

[Bubba Zinetti]

Hey Rusty,
Helios 3, Recon, and Super Fine Glass are all manufactured in Vermont. Quick look at Helios F 9' 5wt clocks in at $1098. Ouch. I get what you say about tariffs, however if we (the consumer) want less expensive products then we will have to have the product made somewhere cheaper. We will also have to have all of the components to make that product made somewhere cheaper. Etc...Etc...
The Orvis Encounter runs at about $200. in case you were wondering.

Who is right? Is it the consumer who demands lower prices for goods and services. Is it the Corporation who wants to constantly increase profits? Is it the worker, who wants a job that pays well enough so they can start a family and maybe buy a house? Are all of them right? How do we as a society balance this.

Also, Orvis shrinking, and refocusing on fishing and hunting is a good thing. They are also shrinking their product line and closing retail stores.

[Rusty Spinner]

Hey Rusty,
Helios 3, Recon, and Super Fine Glass are all manufactured in Vermont. Quick look at Helios F 9' 5wt clocks in at $1098. Ouch. I get what you say about tariffs, however if we (the consumer) want less expensive products then we will have to have the product made somewhere cheaper. We will also have to have all of the components to make that product made somewhere cheaper. Etc...Etc...
The Orvis Encounter runs at about $200. in case you were wondering.

Who is right? Is it the consumer who demands lower prices for goods and services. Is it the Corporation who wants to constantly increase profits? Is it the worker, who wants a job that pays well enough so they can start a family and maybe buy a house? Are all of them right? How do we as a society balance this.

Also, Orvis shrinking, and refocusing on fishing and hunting is a good thing. They are also shrinking their product line and closing retail stores.

The fly rods you mention made here in the US represent far less than 1% of Orvis sales. Clothing, now made in China, is their staple. As for where things should be manufactured, that used to be a no brainer and the answer was right here in the US of A. But that ship largely sailed by the end of the 70s. Now there is a growing trend of bringing manufacturing back to the states, but it will take time if it does happen.

[Bubba Zinetti]

Hey Rusty,
In case you or anyone else was wondering.
"The largest segment is Apparel & Footwear at 40%, followed by Dog Products at 25%. Fly-Fishing Equipment (everything except rods) is 15%, while the iconic Fly Rods themselves are only 5%. The remaining segments are Travel/Lodging at 10% and Home & Gifts at 5%

China is not the only foreign manufacturer of their clothing line. Products are made all over the world. Including the United States. Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka are some of the other places where clothing is manufactured. There is also Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Not sure what your point is. My question is this. We the consumer (the societal we) was inexpensive products delivered to our door tomorrow. If a company cannot do that, then we will look elsewhere. A niche company like Orvis will not be able to survive if they source all of their products from the US. They cannot compete. So, I ask: Who is right? Is it the consumer who demands lower prices for goods and services? Is it the Corporation who wants to constantly increase profits? Is it the worker, who wants a job that pays well enough so they can start a family and maybe buy a house? Are all of them right?

How do we as a society balance this?