Freeport, ME, 2016-Oct-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its L.L.Bean Boots, everyday free shipping and 100% satisfaction guarantee, is set to expand its retail operation with the opening of its fifth New York store, scheduled to open in the spring of 2017. The L.L.Bean store will be located at the Smith Haven Mall, which features over 140 stores and a variety of dining options, located in Long Island’s Suffolk County in Lake Grove, New York. The 16,000-square-foot store will feature an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear including hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, winter gear and camping products. The store will employ approximately 70 people. This will be L.L.Bean’s fifth store in New York and its 31st retail store outside of Maine.
“We’re going to be infusing a bit of the Maine spirit and L.L.Bean brand into Long Island,” said Ken Kacere, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Retail at L.L.Bean. “People who may have only shopped with us through our catalog or website will now be able to see and feel the essence of L.L.Bean in person. We’re thrilled to be coming into Suffolk County. There are numerous bike paths, paddling and fishing on the Nissequogue and Connetquot Rivers, Long Island Sound or in Great South Bay and several other excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.”
And this fall, just in time for the holidays, L.L.Bean will be opening a 10’ x 20’ pop-up shop just outside the entrance of the future store entrance. The new location is currently hiring and will employ 15 people. The new preview pop-up shop will open mid-October.
“Our pop-store will give customers in Suffolk County a sneak peek at some of our great outdoor outerwear and our iconic L.L.Bean Boots, as well as a taste of our brand in preparation for when we open our permanent location in the spring of 2017,” continued Kacere.
L.L.Bean made the decision to continue to expand its retail presence into New York as part of its overall retail expansion plan and due to the store’s proximity to several abundant natural resources and multiple opportunities for many outdoor activities, as well as a population base that enjoys regularly engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits. The store will allow the people of Long Island to experience firsthand everything that the legendary outdoor retailer has to offer, such as quality merchandise, a welcoming shopping environment and a large roster of ongoing demonstrations and clinics on a number of outdoor topics.
Of particular note will be the inclusion of L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, which will offer demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, archery and fly casting, all designed to make it easy for people to engage in outdoor activities for health, fitness and recreation. L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools courses are offered at every L.L.Bean retail store. In 2015, over 140,000 people participated in these programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome the first L.L.Bean store on Long Island to Smith Haven Mall,” commented Christopher Brivio, General Manager for Smith Haven Mall. “The addition of L.L.Bean will complement our impressive collection of retailers and we expect the brand’s high-quality apparel, footwear and lifestyle gear will be very well-received by its loyal devotees and new customer base alike. We look forward to the pop-up shop opening in October followed by the permanent location’s debut in spring 2017.”
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. L.L.Bean products are rigorously tested, guaranteed to last, and always shipped free. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. 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, Google+ and Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Mac McKeever
L.L.Bean
emckeever@llbean.com
207-552-6078
Source: L.L.Bean, Inc.