Urban Angler Closing Its Doors in Old Town Alexandria

PHOTO: Urban Angler store in Old Town Alexandria; photo courtesy of store

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Urban Angler, a boutique store that caters to fly fishers, will be closing its doors for good Saturday in Old Town Alexandria, according to Richard Farino, a D.C. resident who runs the store for the New York-based company.

The store is located at 108 N. Washington St., on the second floor (see map below).

The niche store caters to fly fishers and is facing competition from several fronts, including online sales and larger sporting goods stores within a 45-minute drive in the area including Orvis, REI, Bass Pro Shops and Dick’s Sporting Goods, Farino said Thursday morning.

Farino said that the store relocated from North Arlington to Old Town several years ago to take advantage of better commercial rent rates; but the store faced a lengthy waiting period before opening, due to City regulations for new businesses, losing months of business and customers from the previous store. He noted that parking for potential customers has also been a challenge.

Meanwhile the store this week is offering sales of 40 to 50 percent off on some items; the store has wading boots and high-end rods still available on sale. Hours at the store are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.