FREEPORT, Maine, May 27, 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 continuing to expand its retail operation with the opening of another store in Ohio, scheduled to open in October or November of 2015, just in time for the holidays. In March, L.L.Bean announced it would be opening a store at Legacy Village, a popular lifestyle center in Lyndhurst, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland in November.
The new L.L.Bean store in Columbus will be located at Easton Town Center, an indoor/outdoor shopping and dining complex located in northeast Columbus that draws more than 22 million visitors per year. The new 20,600 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 previously occupied by The Container Store. This will be L.L.Bean's second store in Ohio and its 25th full retail store outside of Maine.
"We're going to be infusing a bit of the Maine spirit and L.L.Bean brand into the Columbus area," said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. "People who may have only shopped with us through our catalog or web site will now be able to see and feel the essence of L.L.Bean in person. We're thrilled to be coming into the Columbus area. There's numerous bike paths, paddling and fishing on the Scioto River and several other great opportunities for outdoor recreation."
In July, L.L.Bean will be opening a small preview store also at Easton Town Center in the space previously occupied by Jos A. Bank. The 4,700 square foot store is currently hiring and will employ approximately 20 people and will offer an assortment of active apparel, as well as outdoor equipment for hiking, paddling, fishing and cycling. The store will also carry L.L.Bean's iconic Bean Boots, Boat and Tote Bags, Bean's Wicked Good Slippers and book packs. The preview store is scheduled to close in anticipation of the permanent, larger location.
"The preview store will give customers in the Columbus area a sneak-peak at some of our great outdoor gear and apparel, as well as a taste of our brand in preparation for when we open our permanent location in October or November," continued Kacere
L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence in 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 Franklin 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.
"For more than 100 years, the L.L. Bean brand has been synonymous with quality and we are proud to add them to our dynamic mix of best-in-class retail, restaurant and entertainment offerings," said Yaromir Steiner, co-developer of Easton Town Center. "L.L. Bean is a true experiential purveyor and one which engenders the same sense of customer loyalty and passion which we strive for here at Easton."
The new L.L.Bean store in Columbus is scheduled to open in October or 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. In 2015, L.L.Bean has already announced new store locations in Richmond, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio. L.L.Bean will be announcing additional store opening locations for 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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