Freeport, ME, October 31, 2018
L.L.Bean to Expand its Presence in Canada with a Dedicated Canadian Website and its First-Ever Wholesale and L.L.Bean Retail Store Agreement
In the true omnichannel spirit, customers can now buy iconic L.L.Bean products online, at popular Canadian brick and mortar retail stores and in the Fall of 2019, at new L.L.Bean stores via an exclusive agreement with Jaytex Group
Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel that help to further people’s enjoyment of the outdoors, is pleased to announce its first-ever entrée into the Canadian wholesale and brick and mortar retail market this fall with an exclusive agreement with Jaytex Group to distribute a broad assortment of L.L.Bean products. Jaytex Group, a 40-year old company, is a Canadian distributor of high-quality brand name outerwear and apparel.
Just in time for this winter, Jaytex will be the exclusive distributor of L.L.Bean’s iconic Bean Boot, the product that launched L.L.Bean and exists as an innovation in warmth and waterproofness, keeping millions of feet warm and dry since 1912. In addition to Bean Boots, select L.L.Bean products will also be featured this fall at various specialty retail stores including Sporting Life, Hudson’s Bay and Mountain Equipment Co-Op.
“We’ve historically had an active and loyal customer base in Canada,” said Steve Smith, President and CEO of L.L.Bean. “Developing a true omnichannel presence that includes a wholesale component, as well as new brick and mortar retail stores and a dedicated Canadian website will give our Canadian customers a better overall L.L.Bean experience and make it much easier to shop in the channel that’s most conducive for them.”
In the spring of 2019, Jaytex will be providing an expanded line of L.L.Bean products to include active and rugged outerwear, footwear, accessories and more. L.L.Bean also recently launched a Canadian website https://www.llbean.ca, selling merchandise at fixed prices in Canadian dollars and communicating duties upfront, which will make shopping much more convenient for Canadian customers.
“To say we are excited to be part of the L.L.Bean family is an understatement,” said Howie Kastner, President of Jaytex Group. “We’re proud to be working with a company like L.L.Bean with such a rich history, heritage and tradition of quality products and superior customer service. These are the same core values that the foundation of Jaytex was built upon.”
In the fall of 2019, L.L.Bean’s expansion into Canada continues, as Jaytex Group anticipates opening Canada’s first L.L.Bean retail store, which will include an assortment of L.L.Bean products curated specifically for the Canadian market.
This is not L.L.Bean’s first foray into the global market. In 1992, L.L.Bean opened its first international store in Tokyo and now operates 28 stores, as well as a dedicated Japanese website, contact center and distribution center. L.L.Bean’s global website, https://global.llbean.com, serves over 200 countries and territories in their own native languages, with product prices converted into over 60 currencies, with accurate tax and duty calculations provided. Currently, L.L.Bean catalogs are mailed to over 150 countries.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant 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. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean currently operates 40 stores in 17 states across the United States, along with 27 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
About Jaytex Group
The Jaytex Group, founded in 1978 is a privately-owned company with a diverse portfolio of private label and lifestyle licensed brands in Canada. Partners Eric Grundy, Howie Kastner and Leo Grunberger commit to deliver the highest standards of creativity, brand integrity and product quality. Jaytex has worked with some of the best fashion brands from around the world, specializing in design, importing and sourcing, through multiple distribution channels. The Jaytex Group is a proud sponsor and supporter of numerous community organizations and fundraising initiatives. www.jaytexgroup.com