L.L.Bean to Open First Store in New York in Early 2008
FREEPORT, Maine, May 24, 2006 - L.L.Bean, a leading multi-channel retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, will soon offer New York residents an opportunity to shop their brand in person. The company announced plans today to open its first store in New York in the Colonie Center Mall located in Albany by early 2008.
Colonie Center is located just off Interstate 87 on Wolf Road, which is a main thoroughfare for the state capital region and tourists visiting the Adirondacks. The store will be 30,000 square feet and will employ approximately 150 people year round. It will feature a selection of casual and active apparel and outdoor gear including camping, biking, and boating products. In addition, L.L.Bean will offer a variety of outdoor programs through its Outdoor Discovery Schools.
"We're building significant momentum with today's announcement," said Chris McCormick, President and CEO of L.L.Bean. "With the Albany store, we're pushing our boundaries westward and expanding our retail presence to eight states outside Maine. Retail expansion is essential to our company's growth strategy for all sales channels, and entering New York is an especially big step," he added.
In February, L.L.Bean announced plans to open several new stores over the next three years including one in September 2006, in Burlington, Massachusetts, another in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, in October 2006, and a third in South Windsor, Connecticut, in summer 2007. "Adding Albany to the list is a great move for us," said Ken Kacere, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of L.L.Bean's Retail Division. "We have many loyal customers in the Albany area, and the store's proximity to the upstate region and the opportunities for outdoor recreation it offers is an ideal fit."
The company also reports that it plans to announce locations for at least two more new stores in greater Boston later this spring, bringing the number of new store announcements made this year to a total of six.
L.L.Bean currently has stores located at Tysons Corner in McClean, Virginia; Columbia, Maryland; Marlton, New Jersey; West Lebanon, New Hampshire and Freeport, Maine, the site of their original Flagship Store. The company also has 14 Outlet Stores located throughout the Northeast.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading retailer of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. While its business has grown substantially, L.L.Bean still upholds the values of its founder and continues his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors.
