L.L.Bean Launches First-Ever Bean Boot Style Collaboration with Maine Outdoor Startup, Flowfold
FREEPORT, Maine (PRWEB) February 28, 2019 -- Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its Maine-made L.L.Bean Boots, has partnered with Maine outdoor gear startup Flowfold to produce the first co-branded L.L.Bean Boot in the company’s 107-year history. The collaboration pairs Flowfold’s cutting edge materials with L.L.Bean’s century of expertise in crafting the outdoor footwear that launched the company.
L.L.Bean’s iconic boots have been manufactured in Maine since Leon Leonwood Bean began selling the Maine Hunting Shoe in 1912. While the detailed craftsmanship has remained nearly unchanged for over a century, the brand has recently introduced small batches of boots featuring unique styles, colors, and materials. For its latest small batch, L.L.Bean turned to its ongoing partnership with another Maine outdoor brand.
Flowfold began in 2010 on Peaks Island, Maine, with college friends making wallets from recycled sailcloth and other high-tech materials. In less than a decade, Flowfold has expanded its USA manufacturing to over 30 product lines and has shipped all over the world from its new 7,500 square-foot facility in Gorham, Maine.
L.L.Bean has carried Flowfold products online and in retail stores since 2016, and in 2018 the companies announced their first collaboration with a collection of backpacks, totes, and gear bags designed in partnership and sold exclusively at L.L.Bean. The new boots utilize the same ultralight, water-resistant X-Pac sailcloth fabric of that collaborative collection.
“L.L.Bean Boots remain highly relevant today because of how innovative they were when L.L. first designed them,” said Tom Armstrong, chief merchandising officer for L.L.Bean. “We’re always proud to continue that legacy of innovation with products designed for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and this collaboration is an exciting new step for both Bean Boots and our partnership with Flowfold.”
“We’ve brought together innovation and tradition in one of the outdoor industry’s most iconic products,” said James Morin, co-owner of Flowfold. “These boots look and feel like no other Bean Boot, and yet they’re authentic to both brands. Collaborations like this are exactly what our industry needs to stay fresh, and we are humbled to be part of the design history of this globally recognized footwear.”
The co-branded Flowfold L.L.Bean Boots for men and women retail for $139 and are available exclusively at the L.L.Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine, and online at http://www.llbean.com/flowfold.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. L.L.Bean is a family-owned Maine company led by Executive Chairman, Shawn Gorman, the great-grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean; and Stephen Smith, President and CEO. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past ten years the company has provided over $30 million to nonprofit organizations. L.L.Bean currently operates 44 stores in 18 states across the United States, along with 28 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at http://www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.
About Flowfold
Flowfold is a Made in USA manufacturer making wallets, bags, packs, totes, duffles, and men’s and women’s accessories for outdoor and lifestyle retail markets. Founded in 2010, the company began in a basement on Peaks Island, Maine, making wallets out of recycled high-tech racing sailcloth. With a foundational devotion to sustainability and minimalism, Flowfold began to innovate and design multidimensional gear for the multidimensional adventurer. Today, Flowfold has grown into an international brand, shipping products all over the world from their new 7,500 square foot headquarters in Gorham, Maine. Prioritizing quality craftsmanship and versatile design, Flowfold continues to be guided by sustainability, durability, and functionality and is committed to making gear that lasts a lifetime of everyday adventure. Learn more at http://www.flowfold.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Eric C. Smith, L.L.Bean, http://www.llbean.com, 207-552-4020, [email protected]
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