L.L.Bean through a partnership will open its first-ever Canadian retail location in the company’s 107-year history. The 13,000 square foot store is set to open on August 23r in Oakville Place, just outside Toronto, via an exclusive agreement with Jaytex Group, a 40-year old Canadian distributor of brand name outerwear and apparel.
The brick-and-mortar store is the latest offering of L.L.Bean products geared specifically for Canada. In late June the brand launched a Canadian-only version of its catalog featuring duty-inclusive prices, designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. The catalog joined the company’s Canadian-specific website, which launched late last year.
Rounding out the experience, a specially curated offering of L.L.Bean’s apparel and gear will also be featured as shop-in-shops in many Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada including the flagship doors in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. The brand will also be available on thebay.com.
“We’ve had a long, meaningful relationship with Canadian customers for decades, so we’re thrilled to be able to give our loyal Canadian fans a true comprehensive, omnichannel L.L.Bean experience, with a dedicated web site, Canadian catalogues, and now L.L.Bean retail stores,” said Stephen Smith, president and CEO of L.L.Bean. “As a Maine-based company that shares a lot of commonalities with our northern neighbors, we’re eager to be infusing a bit of the Maine essence and L.L.Bean brand into the Canadian market.”
The grand opening festivities will take place Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25, with the first 100 people in line on Friday receiving an exclusive offer. The weekend will also feature games, giveaways, family activities as well as the iconic Bootmobile.
“We are proud to bring the first L.L.Bean store to the Canadian market. Working with key retailers, including our longtime partnership with Hudson’s Bay, will only strengthen and broaden the L.L.Bean brand across the country,” said Howie Kastner, President, Jaytex Group.
“Hudson’s Bay celebrates a sense of community and outdoor adventure that is embraced by Canadians,” said Wayne Drummond, Chief Merchant, Hudson’s Bay. “Our customers trust Hudson’s Bay to find and deliver the very best brands that reflect those values. It is this shared spirit with L.L.Bean that compelled us to launch the brand in our stores and online this fall.”
L.L.Bean currently operates 44 stores in 18 states across the United States, along with 28 stores in Japan.
