L.L.Bean opening stores in Canada

L.L. Bean is expanding its footprint north of the border.

The outdoor gear and apparel retailer is opening three new stores in Ontario by the end of 2020, including the just-opened location at the Georgian Mall in Barrie. Additional stores are planned for Ottawa Train Yards, opening on Aug.21, and the Shops at Don Mills, in Toronto, opening in the late fall.

Each location will feature a unique store design and a curated assortment of footwear, apparel and outdoor essentials informed by Canadian customer feedback. L.L.Bean is opening the three stores in partnership with Toronto-based Jaytex Group. 

L.L.Bean launched its Canadian e-commerce site in the fall of 2018, followed by the launch of a Canada-specific catalog and the opening of the first Canadian store, in Oakville, Ont., in August 2019. The new stores will give the company a total of four locations in Canada.

“The positive response to our first store opening accelerated our expansion plan from two stores to three stores this year, despite the economic downturn,” said Greg Elder, VP of retail and international for L.L.Bean. “We’re extremely grateful to our Canadian customers for welcoming us, and the continued success really speaks to the strength of the brand, the relevance of our iconic products and the kinship we share in the inherent love and care for the outdoors.”

In addition to Canada, L.L.Bean also has an international footprint in Japan, where it operates 27 stores, a remote office and call center. The company entered the Japanese market in 1992.

 L.L.Bean currently operates 54 stores across the United States, including its 220,000-sq. ft. flagship in its home base of Freeport, Maine.