L.L.Bean opens first New York store

FREEPORT, Maine L.L.Bean announced today that it will open its first store in New York at the Colonie Center in Albany on Sept. 14. The Albany store is the company's eighth store outside of Maine, and is part of Bean's intitiative to expand its brick and mortar retail business, the company reported. Other L.L.Bean Stores are located in McLean, Va; Columbia, Md.; Marlton, N. J.; West Lebanon, N. H.; Burlington, Mass.; Center Valley, Pa.; South Windsor, Conn. and Freeport, Maine, the site of L.L.Bean's original Flagship Store, Hunting and Fishing Store and Bike, Boat & Ski Store.

According to the company, the new Albany store is approximately 30,000 square feet and built to U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards. The store incorporates environmentally friendly building materials and fixtures, and utilizes systems and technology to increase energy efficiency, thereby reducing the store's environmental footprint. It will employ approximately 125 people and offer a selection of high-quality outdoor apparel and gear including hiking, fly- fishing, kayaking, biking and camping products.

"L.L.Bean has a strong commitment to protecting and preserving outdoor spaces. Because of this commitment, it is important for the company to create a sustainable retail environment for our customers," said Ken Kacere, senior vp and general manager of retail.