MANCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – Layoffs and big changes are coming at one of Vermont’s oldest businesses.
Founded in the 1850s, Orvis Company specializes in outdoor apparel and fly fishing equipment.
Orbis said the job cuts would impact local workers after it moved its headquarters from Sunderland to Manchester in January. The company plans to cut 112 employees, or 8% of its current workforce. Some retail stores will also be closed.
Orvis claims to be one of the oldest mail order companies in the country. But now, 170 years later, they are doing away with that practice.
Manchester Town Manager Scott Murphy says while the job cuts are tough, it may be wise to move away from the catalogue.
“Orbis has been around for a long time. In fact, I think they were the first to invent the catalog. Now they’re saying they’ll do away with the catalog, but that would also save tons of paper every year. But certainly catalogs are not the way to go. I know they have a very strong online presence, so I think they’re putting more emphasis on that,” Murphy said. spoke.
“Our goal is simple: 170 years as a family-owned, purpose-driven outdoor lifestyle brand and a brand that delivers long-term value to our customers, employees and partners,” Orbis president Simon Perkins said in a statement. ” he said. , and the natural world. ”
Perkins said the furloughed employees will receive two months of full pay and benefits. He said the changes are expected over the next 18 months, but did not specify which regions would be affected.
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