Orvis Banchory have always operated a try before you buy service, and even a "here's a rod, go and have a waggle over in the park" attitude if you are a regular customer. It was not unusual for me to be let loose with £1000+ of rod and reel knowing I did not have the means to pay for it (until a sale), 
You mention Loop, but they are almost identical in range and price to Orvis and also offer no "low end" tackle, with both companies starting single handed rods at circa £230 going up to around £850.
Orvis and Loop are pretty much tit for tat on cost, performance and quality. Where Orvis excels is on the warranty. Loop advertises a lifetime warranty, but that is only on manufacturers fault. The first year of ownership has a "no questions asked" policy, but Orvis do that for 25 years.
I am certainly not affluent or someone who has fished the Tweed, but I get a coffee and a biscuit when in, and often spend time chatting and being made very welcome.
However, I entirely agree with the clothing and Dog side of things. The fishing seems to have been pushed out a little, and I know that's from HQ, not the managers that have tried to increase the tackle area. That has been a real shame.
I really feel for those who are about to lose their jobs, absolutely gutted for them.
It’s a sad day when a local institution like Orvis closes, and I particularly feel for my good friend and Orvis Banchory manager Scott Rutherford. Great guy and I hope he gets sorted with something very soon.
But as has been commented on many times over the last few years, the Orvis fishing section was getting smaller and smaller, and internet sales for clothing/country wear were dwarfing shop sales.
Just for your benefit Rob, be a little bit careful when you’re stating your view of the Loop warranty please. Customer service and warranty is a crucial part of Loop.
All our rods are LIFETIME warranty. If you break one in the first year, and we don’t care if your dog has eaten it, you’ll get a new section FREE either same day from one of our Loop centres such as Insch or TwinPeakes at Milton of Crathes. If you cannot get to a Loop Centre, it’ll be sent out next day delivery again FREE of charge. If you’re on a local water, we’ll deliver it that day if possible!
After the first year, no matter how you break it, you will get a new section same day or next day. Should we not have a section immediately available, and the chances are tiny, we’ll give you an equivalent Loop rod to use until your section comes in.
If there is a manufacturer defect, the replacement will be free. If it breaks by any other way, there will be a nominal service charge. That is lifetime!
You do not need to send the rod away, you are fishing again immediately.
We have dozens of demo rods from our ranges at our centres, that can be fished with for the whole day with a customers lines or ours, at Insch or on the river. We want customers getting a proper fishing experience with a potential new rod, and they can make an easier decision like that.
David.
