L.L.Bean Set to Open Second Metro Chicago Store

Maine Company Expands Its Outdoor Offerings to Illinois Customers

Freeport, ME, May 5, 2008 – L.L.Bean is pleased to announce the additional expansion of its retail presence with a second store in the metro Chicago area. This new store will be located at the Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, Illinois. The 96-year-old Maine outdoor gear and apparel outfitter will open three stores in 2008. In addition to the Old Orchard store, the company previously announced a new store in the Chicago area at the Arboretum of South Barrington, as well as a new store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The South Barrington store will open in September 2008. Stores in Pittsburgh and Skokie will open in November 2008.

Planning for the new 30,000-square-foot Skokie store is currently underway. As part of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the store will be built to US Green Building Council’s LEED standards. The Old Orchard store will bring the total of L.L.Bean’s “green” stores to nine. These stores incorporate creative use of recycled and reclaimed materials, as well as state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.

“It’s very exciting to be expanding in the Illinois market,” said Chris McCormick, President and CEO of L.L.Bean. “We have a strong and dedicated customer base here, as well as abundant opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.”

L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence into these areas as part of its broader retail expansion strategy. The Maine-based merchant has plans to operate 32 stores by 2012.

“Our new stores will showcase a unique product selection for our active outdoor customers,” said Ken Kacere, L.L.Bean’s Senior Vice President of Retail. The stores allow devoted L.L.Bean fans and outdoor enthusiasts to experience firsthand all that the legendary retailer has to offer. Product assortment will include a selection of active, outdoor sports gear, as well as Kids’ and Men’s and Women’s casual apparel. Adding to the interest of the new stores is the inclusion of L.L.Bean’s popular Outdoor Discovery Schools®, where expert instructors offer “Walk-On Adventures” – introductory hands-on experiences in such sports as kayaking and fly fishing, providing customers an opportunity to learn about the activities that inspire L.L.Bean products. The new stores will each employ approximately 125 people. The company is currently hiring for store leadership positions and will soon begin hiring for all store positions.