L.L.Bean plans to expand into the upper Midwest region with the opening of its first store in the Chicago region in September 2008. This move into Chicago represents L.L.Bean's first store expansion outside the Northeast corridor.


Planning is currently underway for a new 30,000 square foot store at the Arboretum at South Barrington, in Chicago's affluent northwest suburbs. As part of the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, the store will be built to U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards. The Arboretum location will be L.L.Bean's 7th “green” store, incorporating creative use of recycled and reclaimed materials as well as state of the art energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.

“Our stores are where the L.L.Bean catalogs come to life for our customers,” said Chris McCormick, president and CEO of L.L.Bean. “It's very exciting to enter the Chicago market where we have a strong and dedicated customer base as well as abundant opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation. We will offer our authentic product selection of active, outdoor sports gear along with our other popular lines such as kids', and men's and women's casual apparel.”


L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence into the Chicago area as part of its broader retail expansion strategy. The Maine based merchant has plans to operate 32 stores by 2012.


“L.L.Bean has many catalog and web customers in the Chicago area, which is one of our largest markets. Our new stores will showcase a unique product selection for our active outdoor customers,” said Ken Kacere, L.L.Bean's SVP of Retail. The store allows Chicagoland's devoted L.L.Bean fans and outdoor enthusiasts to experience first hand all that the legendary retailer has to offer. Adding to the interest of the new store is the inclusion of L.L.Bean's popular Outdoor Discovery School, where expert instructors offer “Walk-On Adventures” — introductory hands-on experiences in such sports as kayaking and fly-fishing, providing customers an opportunity to learn about the activities that inspire L.L.Bean products. The new store will employ approximately 125 people.