L.L. Bean is coming to Florida, with a store in a retail district off the highway
The competition for outdoor gear and apparel is about to heat up.
L.L. Bean is opening its first Florida store in University Town Center’s West District in Sarasota, just off Interstate 75 and a few doors down from popular recreation services store REI Co-op.
An L.L. Bean company spokesperson said they are aiming to open the location in early May.
L.L Bean stores sell clothing, outdoor equipment and apparel, footwear, bags, travel accessories, home goods and outdoor adventure services.
The company’s flagship store is in Freeport, Maine. Leon Leonwood Bean founded the company in the Pine Tree State in 1912, according to company history.
L.L. Bean remains a privately held, family-owned company. In its first year, the company only sold one item: the Maine hunting shoe. That item, which is symbolized with a giant replica boot in front of its flagship store, was sold through a flier, according to company history.
By 2018, L.L. Bean’s shopping catalog reached customers in 50 states and 150 countries. L.L. Bean has more than 50 retail stores in 18 states.
The company the new Florida store will be nearly 17,000 square feet. The storefront was previously home to Bed, Bath & Beyond. That retailer filed for bankruptcy in 2023.
