Freeport, ME, October 29, 2018
L.L.Bean Celebrates Retail Grand Opening at Oakbrook Center
Outdoor retailer’s third Chicagoland store opens November 9 with giveaways and outdoor party
Freeport, ME, October 29, 2018 – 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, announced the opening of its newest retail store at Oakbrook Center on November 9. The 17,500 square-foot store features a specially curated selection L.L.Bean’s innovative, active outdoor lifestyle gear, apparel, footwear, and outerwear and will employ approximately 45 people.
In addition to selling quality merchandise, the store will serve as a resource for outdoor enthusiasts to gain technical expertise and local knowledge. L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs will offer year-round demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on courses for a variety of outdoor activities, all designed to make it easy for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors for health, fitness, and recreation.
The grand opening celebration will begin on Friday, November 9 and go through Sunday, November 11. Everyone is invited to the three-day event featuring giveaways, games, a weekend block party, L.L.Bean’s famous Bootmobile and more.
Join L.L.Bean for a weekend of grand opening events:
Friday, November 9:
- Doors open at 9 a.m and the first 200 customers in line will receive a free L.L.Bean Gift Card worth up to $500. Line begins at 6 a.m.
Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11:
- Free outdoor yoga, beginning at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Outdoor block party with games and giveaways for the whole family, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Live local music and free food 12-2 p.m.
- Enter to win prizes, including an adventure trip for two to Maine.
L.L.Bean has been in the greater Chicago area for ten years, with stores at The Arboretum of South Barrington and Old Orchard in Skokie. L.L.Bean made the decision to open its latest store in Oak Brook due to the area’s proximity to abundant natural resources and opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as a population with diverse needs for being outdoors in all four seasons.
“The Midwest is a great place to be outside and we’re looking forward to helping more people enjoy the outdoors year-round,” said Greg Elder, vice president of retail at L.L.Bean. “Whether that’s on the trail, at the stadium, or in your own backyard, we’ve got you covered.”
The new store allows the people of DuPage County and beyond to experience first-hand everything that the legendary outdoor retailer offers, such as quality merchandise, a welcoming shopping experience and a commitment to always do what’s right by its customers, employees, the environment and the community.
Additionally, as part of L.L.Bean’s $3 million commitment to the National Park Foundation’s efforts to encourage people to get outside and explore America’s more than 400 national parks, L.L.Bean will donate $5,000 to the I&M Canal National Heritage Area in celebration of the new store. The Canal Corridor Association will use the funds to update signage to improve access and information along to its 75 miles of trails.
For more information about L.L.Bean’s new Oak Brook location and its grand opening events, visit www.llbean.com/oakbrook
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 operates 34 stores in 16 states across the United States, along with 25 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 Oakbrook
Oakbrook Center is located in Oak Brook, Ill., on the corner of Route 83 and Cermak Road just off of Interstates 88 and 294. The center features a unique collection of more than 160 shops and restaurants. Shopping hours are: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For complete information, please visit www.oakbrookcenter.com or call 630-573-0700.