L.L. Bean to Offer Free Holiday Shipping

Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean is offering free holiday shipping after strong sales during the spring and summer months.

L.L. Bean also said sales were up 8% during the company's "spring season" from March through August. As a result, the company is giving cash bonuses to employees and offering free shipping to customers between Friday and Dec. 21, said Chris McCormick, company president and CEO.

Under the bonus plan, employees hired before Feb. 26 would receive bonuses of $165, and those hired after that date will receive a pro-rated amount. Bonuses will total about $1 million.