Orvis cutting jobs, mail-order business

MANCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – Layoffs and big changes are on the way for one of Vermont’s oldest companies.

Founded in the 1850s, the Orvis Company specializes in outdoor apparel and fly-fishing equipment.

Orvis says after moving its headquarters from Sunderland to Manchester in January, job cuts are set to impact local workers. The company plans to cut 112 employees which they say is 8% of their current workforce. Some retail stores will also close.

Orvis claims to be one of the oldest mail-order businesses in the country. However, after 170 years, they are now set to discontinue that practice.

Manchester Town Manager Scott Murphy says while the job cuts are tough, a move away from catalogs may be smart.

“Orvis has been around a long time. In fact, I think they were the first ones to invent the catalog, which they are now mentioning to get rid of, but it would save tons of paper each year also, but certainly catalogs are not the way to go for the future, and I know their online presence is very strong, so I think they’re focusing more on that,” Murphy said.

In a statement, Orvis President Simon Perkins said, “Our goal is simple: another 170 years as a family-owned, purpose-driven, outdoor lifestyle brand– one that provides long-lasting value to our customers, our employees, our partners, and the natural world.”

Perkins said laid-off employees will receive two months of full pay and benefits. He said the changes are expected over the next year and a half, but didn’t specify which locations would be impacted.

Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.