Retailer gets caught in political crossfire

L.L. Bean has been drawn into something that it has always shied away: the political spotlight.



It all started with the news that Linda Bean, granddaughter of company founder Leon Leonwood Bean and a member of the Bean board, had made a substantial donation to a pro-Trump PAC during the president-elect's campaign. Trump then thanked Bean for her support via a tweet that ended with “Buy L.L.Bean.”




Trump’s tweet drew attention to the low-profile, Maine-based brand, which has always enjoyed a sterling reputation, donating millions of dollars over the years to an array of conservationist and educational causes. It is now facing a boycott by Grab Your Wallet, a group that calls for people to avoid buying products made by companies that support Trump, companies with owners who have publicly supported Trump, and companies that sell Trump products, according to Business Insider.




L.L. Bean executive chairman Shawn Gorman responded to the boycott in a Facebook post in which he said the company was "deeply troubled by the portrayal of L.L.Bean as a supporter of any political agenda.” He also noted that Linda Bean is one of more than 50 family-owner members of the company.



"L.L. Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters, or make political contributions,” Gorman wrote. "Simply put, we stay out of politics. To be included in this boycott campaign is simply misguided, and we respectfully request that Grab Your Wallet reverse its position."



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