News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

Outdoor Retailer Orvis Changes Its Iconic Catalog and Closes Stores Across US

Eight percent of the company's workforce is facing layoffs.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated April 10, 2025

Outdoor retailer Orvis specializes in fishing and hunting gear, but like many brands, it is forced to shift its business strategy to fit today's economy. With savvy shoppers constantly seeking new ways to save money and reduce budgets on unnecessary items, retail stores need help maintaining sales.

Learn about the closures, layoffs, and changes to the iconic catalog.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

History of Orvis

The very first Orvis was opened as a tackle shop in Vermont in 1856, and the company expanded heavily through retail catalogs — predating even the more well-known Sears catalog.

Unfortunately, the business was hit hard by the Great Depression of the 1930s and nearly went under before ultimately selling to investors. Will its new business strategy shift allow it to survive the current economic turmoil?

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Closures and layoffs

Company president Simon Perkins has stated that a limited number of stores will be closed. However, the locations that will be impacted have not yet been publicly shared.

More than 100 employees are facing layoffs, which accounts for roughly 8% of the company's workforce. Perkins says they aren't leaving those employees without help and has promised two months of full pay and benefits, additional severance, and assistance with transition services for healthcare and employment.

Changes to the print catalog

A print catalog just can't compete with digital marketing anymore, so Orvis's leadership has made the monumental decision to discontinue its iconic print catalog that has been part of the brand's identity for 170 years. This change will save the company 2,500 tons of paper each year and hopefully align with current consumer preferences.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Bottom line

The business strategy shift appears to be preemptive, as no bankruptcy filings have been recorded yet. The announced changes will roll out over the next 18 months, and combined with the generous severance packages planned for impacted employees, it seems the company is making carefully thought-out changes rather than reacting to immediate budgetary problems.

Many businesses operate under strategically balanced but unstable debt that crumbles under any unexpected economic shift, resulting in bankruptcy filings and announcements of closures and layoffs. Learn from the mistakes of major businesses and make sure you're crushing your own debt.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Card Details

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

History of Orvis

Closures and layoffs

Changes to the print catalog

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Bottom line

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

Annual Fee

Rewards Rate

Benefits

Drawbacks

Learn how to make an extra $200

Must-Read Buzz

Advertiser Disclosure

Editorial Policy

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card