FREEPORT, Maine, Sept. 23, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean , best known for its iconic Maine-made Bean Boot and 100% satisfaction guarantee is set to expand its retail operation with the opening of its first Minnesota store. The new L.L.Bean store will be located in the popular Mall of America®. The 29,000 square-foot store will employ approximately 120 people and will feature an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear, outdoor gear including hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking, winter gear and camping products. L.L.Bean is currently hiring for this store. Employment opportunities can be found at http://www.llbean.com/employment . This will be L.L.Bean's first store in Minnesota and its 21st retail store outside of Maine.
"The people of Minnesota and Maine share a number of similarities, including a love of the outdoors, an appreciation of honest values and principles and an appreciation of nature and the environment, " said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. "We're very excited to be opening our first Minnesota store. With its dynamic natural resources, and a population base that lives the outdoor lifestyle, Minnesota is an ideal location for L.L.Bean's first store west of the Mississippi. We're looking forward to introducing our brand to the Twin Cities area and immersing ourselves in the Minnesota community, culture and outdoor traditions."
L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence into the Twin Cities area based on Minnesotans' proclivity for outdoor recreation, as well as the proximity to numerous natural resources and treasures, including some of the nation's best lakes, parks and wilderness areas which present an abundance of opportunities for many outdoor activities. At the Mall of America location, residents of the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota shoppers and tourists from around the world will experience first-hand everything the outdoor retailer has to offer.
Of particular note will be the inclusion of L.L.Bean's Outdoor Discovery Schools which will offer a wide variety of demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery and fly casting, all designed to make it as easy as possible 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 2013, over 100,000 people participated in these programs.
"From day one Mall of America has worked to bring new businesses to Minnesota. L.L.Bean is a perfect example of an exciting company coming to our state," said Maureen Bausch, executive vice president of business development at Mall of America. "This is a storied brand with a long history of loyal and satisfied customers and it will be a great addition to the Mall. At long last, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to experience L.L.Bean in person at this exciting new location."
The new L.L.Bean store is scheduled to open in mid-November, with a three-day grand opening celebration.
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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L.L.Bean Inc. Mac McKeever (207) 552-6078
