Orvis’s store located at 525 King Street
After six years on Upper King Street, Orvis — the 170-year-old name synonymous with crisp fly-fishing shirts and polished outdoor gear — will soon say goodbye to Charleston.
The Vermont-based company confirmed its final day of business will be Christmas Eve, part of a national downsizing that will close 31 stores and five outlets by early 2026.
A Brand Built on the Outdoors
For Orvis, the decision marks a shift back toward its heritage. Founded in 1856 in Manchester, Vermont, the brand has long balanced its outdoorsy DNA — fly rods, field jackets, and Labrador-ready accessories — with a polished retail presence in cities like Charleston.
The King Street shop, which opened in 2019, was the only standalone Orvis in the Lowcountry. For locals, it offered that rare blend of gentleman’s outfitter and outdoor supplier — waxed cotton on one rack, fly reels on another.
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“While Orvis remains committed to providing the very best gear and apparel for many years to come, we are also navigating economic headwinds that have led to the difficult decision to close our Charleston store.”
Tariffs and Tough Choices
Perkins’ note referenced a broader retail challenge: tariffs. Many of the duties imposed recently squeeze margins for companies that rely on imported fabrics and manufacturing.
“Like many in retail,” Perkins said, “Orvis’ business model faced a sizeable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape.”
Those pressures — layered with pandemic-era shifts and rising costs — have pushed many heritage brands to tighten operations and refocus on what they do best. For Orvis, that means a renewed emphasis on fly-fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure.
Retail Ripples on King
The men’s apparel scene downtown has felt the strain all year. 319 Men closed in September, and Brooks Brothers is expected to follow early next year.
Even as longtime names bow out, new arrivals like Marine Layer and Madewell Men’s are reshaping the retail mix, blending national brands with local energy.
Orvis’ departure will leave a noticeable gap, though Haddrell’s Point Tackle — with locations in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant — will continue to carry select Orvis products for Charleston anglers.
A Closing Chapter
The Charleston store weathered more than its share of challenges, including a four-month closure in 2023 after damage from nearby hotel construction. Still, the brand’s loyal customers — from dog owners to weekend fishermen — kept finding their way back.
As Orvis prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a simple legacy: well-made gear, a love for the outdoors, and a reminder that even the most established names must adapt to changing tides.
Final day of sales: December 24.
