L.L. Bean has re-opened its Bike, Boat & Ski Store and its Hunting & Fishing Store in its home town of Freeport, ME. The openings are in line with guidelines provided by Maine officials that deemed bike shops, fishing supply stores and federally licensed firearms dealers as essential retailers.

L.L. Bean’s stores have been closed since March 16 in response to COVID-19 and the remaining locations are still closed. The company operates 34 stores in 16 states across the U.S.

“In order to ensure the health and safety of our employees, customers and community, we have taken a very cautious approach in regards to reopening our retail locations. We were one of the first retailers to close our doors and began offering curbside service just last week out of an abundance of caution,” L.L. Bean Director of External Communications Amanda Hannah told WGME.c0m.

Protective measures L.L. Bean is taking as stores reopen include:

  • Special shopping hours for high-risk customers (9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Monday through Sunday);
  • Limited operating hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET., Monday through Sunday);
  • Contactless interaction with customers and contactless payment (no cash or checks);
  • Customers can pay in advance at locations offering curbside pickup, and all of the stores support Apple Pay when open to the public;
  • Stringent cleaning policies that require frequent sanitization of high-traffic areas, restrooms and surfaces;
  • Proper protective equipment for employees, including face coverings, will be provided;
  • Clear instructions for customers upon arrival to ensure an easy, safe, self-service, contactless experience;
  • Installation of Plexi barriers at point-of-sale locations along with floor markers to maintain six feet between customers in line;
  • Capacity restrictions to limit the number of customers in the building at one time along with capacity limits for all backroom employee areas;
  • No returns, repairs or merchandise customization on-site (these services are still available for online orders and returns can still be mailed in);
  • Bike service and repairs are currently available with contactless drop-off, pick-up and payment at the Freeport Bike, Boat & Ski store;
  • The full-service pro-shop is open at the Hunt & Fish Store in Freeport, ME; and
  • No fitting room access.

Photo courtesy L.L. Bean