L.L. Bean to Expand in China

Freeport, Maine L.L. Bean is ready to open the first of five stores in China this month.

The Beijing store in the Solana Mall in Beijing, which opens on Sept. 27, will be operated through a joint venture between the Maine outdoors outfitter and Youngone Corp. of Korea.

CEO Chris McCormick says he believes L.L. Bean's store will benefit from a growing interest among the Chinese in the outdoors and outdoor activities.

The 3,000-sq.-ft. store will feature natural light and weathered timbers reminiscent of the company's flagship store in Freeport, Maine.