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, according to Old Mill District Marketing Director Noelle Fredland.

“We are delighted to welcome Orvis to the Old Mill District,” said Fredland. ”It is the oldest
mail order catalog company in the country and its lifestyle stores are a perfect fit for Bend’s
fishing and hunting aficionados. The addition of Orvis to the Old Mill District is an excellent
complement to our other merchants.”

With more than 60 retail locations and more than 500 dealer stores in the U.S. and the U.K., Orvis has just five retail stores on the West Coast, including four in California and one in Washington.

According to Fredland, Dara Smith, broker with COLM Commercial Real Estate Services, was instrumental in bringing the retailer to Bend.

Orvis retail stores offer a full line of fly fishing and hunting gear along with a gunroom, men’s and women’s apparel, furniture and a full line of dog products. At the Old Mill District, outdoors enthusiasts can access the Orvis-endorsed Fishing and Hunting Lodge program and adventure travel services for sport-oriented vacations throughout the world. Orvis’s Fly Fishing and Wing

Shooting schools can help anyone from the beginner to the expert refine their skills and knowledge. Orvis also will offer Fly Tying and Fishing Schools out of its Old Mill District location.

Each year, Orvis donates 5 percent of pre-tax profits to organizations that protect fish and wildlife habitat. Over the last 10 years, Orvis has 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.

According to Land Trust Executive Director Brad Chalfant, “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 the
company on protecting more land now that it has a new store in the Old Mill District.”

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. Orvis joins a roster
of 47 national retailers and unique shops, art studios and restaurants that can be found only
at the Old Mill District. The North Shops Phase 2 development opened in the fall of 2007
with Acadia Footwear, Ann Taylor Loft, Café Yumm!, Chico’s, Desperado and White
House/Black Market.

The mix of upscale and diverse retailers includes 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.