FREEPORT, Maine, Jan. 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its Bean Boot, everyday free shipping and 100% satisfaction guarantee is set to expand its retail operation with the opening of its first Rhode Island store, scheduled to open the summer of 2016. The new L.L.Bean store will be located at Garden City Center, a unique open-air shopping destination featuring a blend of shops, eateries and boutiques located in Cranston, Rhode Island. The 17,000 square-foot store 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. The store will employ approximately 100 people. Those interested in job opportunities can visit http://www.llbeancareers.com. This will be L.L.Bean's first store in Rhode Island and its 29th retail store outside of Maine.
"In the Cranston area, there's paddling on the Pawtuxet River and in Narragansett Bay, cycling along the East Bay Bicycle Path, plus numerous green spaces to recreate in. This is going to be a great home for us because of all of the terrific outdoor activities to be had, all within a stone's throw from the store," said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. "Whereas many people know us best through our web site and catalogs, our first store in Rhode Island will give folks the opportunity to experience our unique brand in 3-D."
L.L.Bean made the decision to continue to expand its retail presence into Rhode Island 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 multiple opportunities for many outdoor activities, as well as a population base that enjoys regularly engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits. The store will allow the people of the greater Providence area 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 2015, over 140,000 people participated in these programs.
"Garden City Center is the perfect location for a store that focuses on the outdoor life," said Maria Salvatore, leasing consultant for The Wilder Companies, which manages Garden City Center. "And while many people know L.L.Bean's website and catalog, the retail store will provide shoppers with hands-on experiences all ages will be sure to enjoy."
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. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. 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. L.L.Bean products are rigorously tested, guaranteed to last and always shipped free. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. 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.
This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/01/prweb13165542.htm