Freeport, ME, June 25, 2024
L.L.Bean Embarks on 2024 Retail Expansion, Reinforcing Commitment to Omnichannel Growth
The outdoor company will open four retail stores in the U.S. in 2024; Additional expansion planned for 2025.
3 Min. Read | Inside L.L.Bean | Current Stories
Freeport, Maine-based L.L.Bean – the iconic outdoor retailer – announced today the opening of four new retail stores in 2024, signaling its continued dedication to brick-and-mortar retail as part of its omnichannel growth strategy.
The company’s 2024 retail store openings include:
- Ulster Crossing in Ulster, NY – opened May 10
- Silver Spring Square in Mechanicsburg, PA – slated to open Fall 2024
- Brookside Plaza in Enfield, CT – slated to open Fall 2024
- Rivers Edge in Indianapolis, IN – slated to open Fall 2024
In 2023, L.L.Bean opened two new stores in the U.S., while its Canadian licensing and operating partner, Jaytex Group, opened the brand’s first two stores in Quebec.
L.L.Bean is already seeing strong sales performance at its newest store in Ulster, N.Y. Since opening in May, the Ulster location has exceeded sales projections driven by high demand for its summer assortment. The store has welcomed more than 25,000 customers since opening, underscoring the importance of physical locations in the company’s omnichannel growth strategy, which aims to increase accessibility to the brand through retail stores, e-commerce, wholesale, partner, and experiential channels.
"Our four 2024 store openings represent a significant step forward in our commitment to making L.L.Bean's exceptional outdoor gear, apparel and footwear accessible to a broader audience,” said Greg Elder, L.L.Bean Chief Retail Officer. “As we continue to expand our retail footprint beyond New England, we are eager to strengthen our connection with customers and communities across the country, enabling more people to experience the restorative power of time outside.”
L.L.Bean is planning additional retail expansion in 2025, targeting high-growth opportunities in the Southeast and Mid-West. The company’s commitment to the retail experience is further exemplified by the $50 million reimagining of its Flagship campus in Freeport, ME – the second most visited tourist destination in the state. Once complete, the iconic Flagship campus will more fully activate on the company’s purpose of enabling people to experience the restorative benefits of being outside with a more immersive customer experience, expanded community engagement opportunities, and upgraded back of house functions. The investment also fortifies the 112-year-old company’s commitment to its hometown of Freeport.
"As we continue to increase our retail presence in 2024, we're strategically positioning L.L.Bean for sustained growth, ensuring that we continue to reach more customers in more geographies,” said Stephen Smith, L.L.Bean President and Chief Executive Officer. “This expansion plan will not only strengthen our national footprint, but it is also a pivotal step in reinforcing L.L.Bean's position as a leader in the retail space and outdoor industry."
L.L.Bean, which is known for its legendary customer service, is now hiring for full- and part-time positions at each new store location. Interested candidates with a passion for the outdoors are invited to apply at llbeancareers.com.
For more news and updates from L.L.Bean, visit Inside L.L.Bean.
About L.L.Bean
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 2023, L.L.Bean donated over $6 million to outdoor and community-enriching organizations focused on increasing access to and inclusivity in the outdoors. L.L.Bean operates 57 stores in 19 states across the United States, along with 22 stores in Japan and 13 stores in Canada, in partnership with Jaytex Group. 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, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.