I have a long history with Orvis and although I stepped away from their Orvis Endorsed Guide programme when the Banchory store closed, I have maintained relationships with many people in the organisation. So I am aware that this sad news is indeed 'gospel' and all the UK stores other than Stockbridge are to close, with the loss of jobs that until just a few weeks ago probably seemed reasonably secure.
It is a shame, especially as there is some truth in what James says - somehow Orvis UK has been confused in its brand identity with the focus seemingly on many things
other than fishing for some time.
Mission creep (and no, that's
not a casting fault with a new Orvis Salmon rod
) has plagued the brand IMHO, which might be addressed by the re-organisation of the UK effort.
H