L.L.Bean said it is now offering permanent, no-strings-attached free shipping to U.S. and Canadian addresses. Only a few websites such as Zappos.com currently offer free shipping outside holiday selling.
The free standard shipping will be effective March 25. L.L.Bean's free regular shipping includes fast delivery with customer packages arriving in 2-5 business days.
The company noted that the founder and inventor of the original Maine Hunting Shoe, Mr. “L.L.” Bean, introduced the concept of free shipping in 1912 by adding “post paid” in catalog copy.
“We tested free shipping offers with no minimum purchase for several months and the customer response was overwhelming,” said Chris McCormick, president and CEO, L.L.Bean. “Our customers want and value free shipping. It's our opportunity to offer free shipping for all U.S. and Canadian customers with no minimum purchase, no end date, no conditions — guaranteed.”
L.L.Bean had recently offered free shipping with no minimum purchase as a limited time promotion, and as an ongoing benefit to L.L.Bean branded Visa Card members. With the implementation of free shipping to all U.S. and Canadian customers, L.L.Bean increased the benefits for its Visa Card members by doubling rewards on everyday purchases made with L.L.Bean Visa Cards. L.L.Bean Visa Card members will earn 1% everywhere Visa is accepted and 3% on L.L.Bean purchases in addition to additional member benefits such as free monogramming and free returns.
Bean is announcing the free shipping in an e-mail blast to customers, and will be following up with a television campaign. Next week, Bean will pick up the tab on six Boston city buses decorated as L.L. Bean packages and emblazoned with the phrase, “L.L. Bean shipments ride for free, and so do you.”
