L.L.Bean plans to open a store in North Bethesda, MD.
The location will open at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda’s Pike District. REI also has a large store currently under construction there.
The L.L.Bean store will open this fall, in a two-level, 22,700-square-foot space, and employ around 75 people. As with every L.L. Bean store, the Pike & Rose location will offer L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, with demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on courses for all kinds of outdoor recreational and fitness activities.
L.L.Bean said that the heavy use of the many trails and parks in the area factored into their decision to open a store here.
“The North Bethesda location is going to be a great home for us,” L.L.Bean senior VP and GM of retail Ken Kacere said. “This is a lively, active area with some great outdoor recreational opportunities nearby like paddling and fishing on the Potomac, or cycling along the extensive network of local trails.”
This will represent the company’s second store in Maryland. It operates a location at the The Mall in Columbia.
Stu Biel, VP of leasing at Federal Realty, said he is “thrilled” to score the Maryland flagship store of L.L. Bean at the development, which is in the midst of Phase II construction.
“This 105 year iconic brand focused on outdoor living is a perfect fit for Pike & Rose,” Biel said. “Both L.L.Bean and Pike & Rose aim to inspire and connect others with a deep commitment to community and challenging the status quo. Together, our neighbors, residents, office workers and beyond will benefit from educational programs, on and off site events and a tried and true product line and place that will serve to inspire for decades and generations to come.”
Photo courtesy L.L.Bean