L.L.Bean is set to expand its retail operation with its second Virginia store, scheduled to open November 2015. The new L.L.Bean store will be located at Short Pump Town Center, central Virginia’s premier shopping, entertainment and dining destination.
L.L.Bean’s first Virginia store opened in July of 2000 in Tysons Corner. The new 15,500 square-foot store will employ approximately 100 people and will feature an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear including hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking and winter gear and camping products. L.L. Bean will open in the space currently occupied by the Food Court. This will be L.L.Bean’s second store in Virginia and its 24th retail store outside of Maine.
“Our stores are where the L.L.Bean catalogs come to life for our customers,” said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. “It’s very exciting to open a store in Richmond, just a stone’s throw away from the James River and all of the other countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. We’re looking forward to introducing our brand to the Richmond area and immersing ourselves in the Virginia community, culture and outdoor traditions.”
L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence in Virginia as part of its overall retail expansion plan and due to the high level of brand affinity the area residents have for L.L.Bean.
In addition, the area is also in proximity to several abundant natural resources and opportunities for many outdoor activities, as well as a population base that enjoys engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits. The store will allow the people of Virginia and beyond to experience first-hand everything that the legendary outdoor retailer has to offer, such as quality merchandise, a welcoming shopping environment and 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 snowshoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery and fly casting, 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 2014, over 130,000 people participated in these programs.
“For more than 100 years, L.L.Bean has set the standard for providing superior customer service and the highest quality merchandise, making it one of the best-known brands in America,” said E. Kemel Blue, vice president/general manager of Short Pump Town Center. “We are very proud to welcome this outstanding retailer to the vibrant and diverse array of exceptional retail shops, restaurants and entertainment options at Short Pump Town Center.”
The new L.L.Bean store in Virginia is scheduled to open in November of 2015 in time for the holiday shopping season. In 2014, L.L.Bean opened three new store locations in Burlington, VT; Bloomington, MN; at the Mall of America® and at the Park Meadows Retail Resort, just outside of Denver. L.L.Bean will be announcing additional store opening locations for 2015 in the coming weeks.
