L.L.Bean Caps Year of Expansion in Canada with Toronto Store Opening

Following the announcement of brick-and-mortar expansion in Canada earlier this year, legacy outdoor brand L.L.Bean will open the doors to its fourth store in the country on Friday, Oct. 23, located at the CF Shops at Don Mills in Toronto. The opening comes after successful entry into physical retail in Ontario, with locations now operating in Ottawa, Barrie and Oakville. As part of its omnichannel growth strategy, L.L.Bean announced expansion in Canada – where it is experiencing its highest new customer growth worldwide – to make its iconic outdoor gear, footwear and apparel accessible to more customers.

Despite the pandemic, L.L.Bean sales in Canada have grown in its second year in the market. E-commerce sales are up significantly compared to 2019 and the brand has seen a two-fold increase in first-time Canadian shoppers. As Canadians began gearing up early for the fall, L.L.Bean flannel shirts, slippers and flannel sheets were best sellers over the summer. As September arrived, Canadian consumers began preparing for the snow, with insulated outerwear and snow tubes landing in the top 20 products for the month.

“We are excited about the success of the three stores that have already opened in Ontario as well as the overall success L.L.Bean is having in Canada this year,” said Howie Kastner, President of Jaytex Group, L.L.Bean’s Canadian partner. “As L.L.Bean at the CF Shops at Don Mills opens its doors to our loyal Canadian customers, we are able to continue to expand this iconic brand and most importantly, encourage more people to get outside.”

Greg Elder, vice president of retail and international of L.L.Bean, added: “Following the successful opening of the new Barrie and Ottawa locations in addition to the number of customers reconnecting with the outdoors this year, we are grateful to our Canadian customers for welcoming L.L.Bean to their communities. While we are opening our final store for the year, we look forward to what 2021 will bring for L.L.Bean in Canada.”

L.L.Bean first entered the Canadian market with the launch of its Canadian e-commerce site in the fall of 2018, which was followed by the introduction of a Canada-specific catalog. Less than a year later, the first retail location opened its doors in Oakville, Ont. As of the Toronto store opening on Oct. 23, L.L.Bean will operate four brick-and-mortar stores and one outlet across the country.

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 54 stores in 19 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 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