FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Old Mill District Welcomes the Orvis Company

World-famous sporting traditions retailer chooses Bend for its first Oregon location

Orivs opens store in Bend, OR

The Orvis Company Store, a world-renowned “sporting traditions lifestyle” store, will open its first Oregon location at the Old Mill District in the fall of 2008. They join a mix of upscale and diverse retailers, including several restaurants set to open their doors in the coming months. Allyson’s Kitchen will open in February, followed by Flatbread Community Oven and Pizzeria in June and Pastini Pastaria in July. The Orvis Company Store will occupy 10,500 square feet of space in a stand alone building that will be constructed in the North Parking Lot of the Old Mill District.

The North Shops Phase 2 development opened in the fall of 2007 with Acadia Footwear, Ann Taylor Loft, Café Yumm!, Chicos, Desperado and White House / Black Market.  According to the Old Mill District Marketing Director Noelle Fredland, Dara Smith, Broker with COLM Commercial Real Estate Services was instrumental in bringing Orvis to Bend.

Founded in 1856, Orvis has their roots as the oldest mail order catalog company in the country. Orvis retail stores are a destination that brings customers from far and away to experience the authenticity and quality of the Orvis brand.  They offer a full line of fly fishing & hunting gear along with a gunroom, men’s and women’s apparel, furniture and a full line of dog products. Orvis’s endorsed Fishing and Hunting Lodge program and adventure travel services provide an unparalleled experience to premiere destinations. Orvis has more than 60 retail locations in the US and UK and more than 500 dealer stores.  Orvis’s Fly Fishing and Wing Shooting schools can help anyone from the beginner to the expert refine their skills and knowledge. Orvis plans on offering Fly Tying and Fishing Schools out of their new Bend location.

Each Year, Orvis donates 5% of pre-tax profits to organizations that protect fish and wildlife habitat. Over the last ten years, they have donated nearly $10 million to these organizations, including Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Coastal Conservation Association, Ducks Unlimited, The Conservation Fund, Ruffed Grouse Society, and The Atlantic Salmon Fund.

Locally they have donated to The Deschutes Basin Land Trust. “Orvis was instrumental in helping the Land Trust reach fishermen and conservationists around the world during our campaign to forever protect the Metolius Preserve. We’re looking forward to working with them on protecting more land now that they have a new store in Central Oregon” commented the Land Trust’s executive director Brad Chalfant.

Orvis and their customers, raise over $50,000 annually to help breast cancer survivors heal through the sport and experience of fly fishing. Casting for Recovery retreats have already served 1,200 survivors in the US and Canada.

Central Oregon boasts 500 miles of rivers and streams and more than 150 high-mountain lakes, making this location a paradise for anglers. Superb steelhead, trout and bass fishing have inspired many legendary fish tales and make Central Oregon a destination year after year. Orvis is a wonderful addition to the Bend Community and the Old Mill District.

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