L.L.Bean launches 2024 store expansion — here’s where
L.L.Bean continues to expand its store footprint beyond New England as part of its omnichannel growth strategy, which aims to increase accessibility to the brand through physical stores, e-commerce, wholesale, partner and experiential channels.
The iconic outdoor retailer opened a store in May at Ulster Crossing in Ulster, N.Y. Three additional locations are scheduled to open this fall: Silver Spring Square in Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Rivers Edge in Indianapolis; and Brookside Plaza in Enfield, Conn.
Additionally, L.L.Bean is planning retail expansion in the Southeast and Midwest next year in an effort to reach more customers in more geographies.
"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 CEO. “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."
The retailer noted that, since opening in May, its Ulster location has exceeded sales projections and had more than 25,000 visitors.
Closer to home, L.L.Bean has made a $50 million investment to reimagine its 220,000-sq. ft. retail store campus in its hometown of Freeport, Maine. The second most-visited tourist destination in the state, it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with more than 3 million visitors every year. The investment also fortifies the 112-year-old company’s commitment to its hometown.
“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 retailer stated.
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.