FREEPORT, Maine, March 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its Bean Boot, everyday free shipping and 100% satisfaction guarantee is set to expand its retail operation with the opening of its first Ohio store, scheduled to open November of 2015, just in time for the holidays. The new L.L.Bean store will be located at Legacy Village, a popular lifestyle center in Lyndhurst, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland. The 16,000 square-foot store will employ approximately 100 people and will feature an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear including hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking and winter gear and camping products. L.L. Bean will open in the space currently occupied by Talbots, which will be relocating to a new space within the shopping center. This will be L.L.Bean's first store in Ohio and its 23rd retail store outside of Maine.
"Most folks in the Ohio area know us mostly by our catalogs and web site," said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. "It's very exciting to be opening our first Ohio store, giving the Cleveland-area residents the opportunity to experience our brand in 3-D. Our stores are where the L.L.Bean catalogs and web site come to life for our customers and we know Legacy Village is going to be a great home for us."
L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence into Ohio as part of its overall retail expansion plan and due to the high level of brand affinity the area residents have for L.L.Bean. In addition, the area is also in proximity to several abundant natural resources and opportunities for many outdoor activities, as well as a population base that enjoys engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits. The store will allow the people of Cuyahoga County and beyond to experience first-hand everything that the legendary outdoor retailer has to offer, such as quality merchandise, a welcoming shopping environment and a large roster of ongoing demonstrations and clinics on a number of outdoor topics.
Of particular note will be the inclusion of L.L.Bean's Outdoor Discovery Schools, which will offer demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery and fly casting, all designed to make it easy for people to engage in outdoor activities for health, fitness and recreation. L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools courses are offered at every L.L.Bean Retail Store. In 2014, over 130,000 people participated in these programs.
"We are thrilled that L.L. Bean has chosen Legacy Village as the home of their first Ohio location, and know that they will serve as a wonderful complement to our retailer mix," said Legacy Village's General Manager Susan Windle. "L.L. Bean is a trusted brand, offering classic styles and high quality merchandise that will be a refreshing addition to the retail landscape in northeast Ohio. We couldn't be happier to welcome them to Legacy Village."
The new L.L.Bean store in Ohio is scheduled to open in November of 2015 in time for the holiday shopping season. In 2014, L.L.Bean opened three new store locations in Burlington, VT, Bloomington, MN, at the Mall of America® and at the Park Meadows Retail Resort, just outside of Denver. L.L.Bean will be announcing additional store opening locations during 2015 in the coming weeks.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. L.L.Bean products are rigorously tested, guaranteed to last and always shipped free. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. The 220,000 sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at http://www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.
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