L.L.Bean is set to expand its retail operation with the opening of its fourth store in Virginia, scheduled to open in Charlottesville in the summer of 2017.
The L.L.Bean store will be located at The Shops at Stonefield, the area’s preeminent lifestyle center featuring a broad scope of upscale dining, shopping and entertainment options located in Charlottesville. The 15,000-square-foot store will feature an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear including hiking, kayaking and winter gear and camping products. The store will employ approximately 70 people. This will be L.L.Bean’s fourth store in Virginia and its 32nd retail store outside of Maine. Other L.L.Bean stores in Virginia include locations in Richmond, Tysons Corner and Virginia Beach.
“Charlottesville is an active, vibrant city with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and a population base that regularly takes advantage of these resources,” said Ken Kacere, senior vice president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. “Whether it’s hiking along the Rivanna Trail, fishing and paddling on the James River or cycling along the extensive network of trails and byways, we know this will be a great home for us. Not to mention Charlottesville is the gateway to Shenandoah National Park. And for those who may have only experienced us through our catalog or website, we’re excited to be giving folks the opportunity to see and feel the essence of L.L.Bean in person.”
As part of its overall national retail expansion plan, L.L.Bean made the decision to continue to expand its presence into Virginia due to the store’s proximity to several abundant natural resources and multiple opportunities for many outdoor activities, a population base that not only enjoys regularly engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits, but one that also has a high degree of awareness of and affinity for L.L.Bean.
The store will feature 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 kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and more, 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 2016, over 150,000 people participated in these programs.
“We are excited to welcome L.L.Bean to The Shops at Stonefield, as they will be an important part of this distinctive lifestyle center,” said William Q. O’Connor, CEO of O’Connor Capital Partners, which recently acquired and also manages the shopping center. “L.L.Bean’s unique offerings in product, customer and outdoor experiences will be a great attraction for both area residents and customers of the center.”
Photo courtesy L.L.Bean
