First L.L.Bean Retail Store in Canada to Open in August
FREEPORT, Maine (PRWEB) July 18, 2019 -- Canadian fans of iconic outdoor retailer L.L.Bean will now have an additional way to experience the heritage brand with the opening of the first retail location this August. Marking the first-ever Canadian retail location in the company’s 107-year history, the 13,000 square foot store is set to open on August 23rd in Oakville Place, just outside Toronto, via an exclusive agreement with Jaytex Group, a 40-year old Canadian distributor of high-quality brand name outerwear and apparel.
The brick-and-mortar store is the latest offering of L.L.Bean products geared specifically for Canada. In late June the brand launched a Canadian-only version of its famous catalogue featuring duty-inclusive prices, designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. The catalogue joined the company’s Canadian-specific website, which launched late last year.
Rounding out the experience, a specially curated offering of L.L.Bean’s apparel and gear will also be featured as shop-in-shops in many Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada including the flagship doors in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. The brand will also be available on thebay.com.
“We’ve had a long, meaningful relationship with Canadian customers for decades, so we’re thrilled to be able to give our loyal Canadian fans a true comprehensive, omnichannel L.L.Bean experience, with a dedicated web site, Canadian catalogues, and now L.L.Bean retail stores,” said Stephen Smith, President and CEO of L.L.Bean. “As a Maine-based company that shares a lot of commonalities with our northern neighbors, we’re eager to be infusing a bit of the Maine essence and L.L.Bean brand into the Canadian market.”
The grand opening festivities will take place Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25, with the first 100 people in line on Friday receiving an exclusive offer. The weekend will also feature games, giveaways, family activities as well as the iconic Bootmobile.
QUOTE FROM JAYTEX GROUP
“We are proud to bring the first L.L.Bean store to the Canadian market. Working with key retailers, including our longtime partnership with Hudson’s Bay, will only strengthen and broaden the L.L.Bean brand across the country” says Howie Kastner, President, Jaytex Group.
QUOTE FROM HUDSON’S BAY
“Hudson’s Bay celebrates a sense of community and outdoor adventure that is embraced by Canadians,” says Wayne Drummond, Chief Merchant, Hudson’s Bay. “Our customers trust Hudson's Bay to find and deliver the very best brands that reflect those values. It is this shared spirit with L.L.Bean that compelled us to launch the brand in our stores and online this fall.”
THE BEAN BOOT
L.L.Bean’s iconic Bean Boot is the product that launched the company in 1912. After returning from a hunting trip with cold, damp feet, company founder Leon Leonwood Bean had the idea to combine leather uppers with rubber bottoms – creating an innovative boot that has been worn by millions for more than 100 years – making it an American icon. Today, the Bean Boots are still handmade in Maine, along with many other items - showcasing the company’s commitment to quality craftsmanship.
ABOUT L.L.BEAN
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 five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. 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, Google+ and Instagram.
ABOUT JAYTEX GROUP
The Jaytex Group founded in 1978 is a privately-owned company with a diverse portfolio of private label and lifestyle licensed brands in Canada. Partners Eric Grundy, Howie Kastner and Leo Grunberger commit to deliver the highest standards of creativity, brand integrity and product quality. Jaytex has worked with some of the best fashion brands from around the world, specializing in design, importing and sourcing, through multiple distribution channels. The Jaytex Group is a proud sponsor and supporter of numerous community organizations and fundraising initiatives. http://www.jaytexgroup.com
Carolyn Beem, L.L.Bean, http://www.llbean.com, 207-552-6022, [email protected]
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