L.L.Bean is Setting Up Camp in Maryland

BETHESDA, MD — Famed outdoor retailer L.L.Bean — known for its Duck Boots, camping gear, down coats and more — will open its only full retail store in Maryland in the fall of 2017. The L.L.Bean store will be located at Pike & Rose, the mixed-use community of retail shops, restaurants, entertainment options, office space and residential living located in North Bethesda.

The 22,700 square-foot, two-level L.L.Bean 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 about 75 people.

The retailer is best known for its Bean Boot, everyday free shipping and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

The outdoor retailer used to have a store in The Mall in Columbia, but it closed to make room for new development at the mall.

“The North Bethesda location is going to be a great home for us. This is a lively, active area with some great outdoor recreational opportunities nearby like paddling and fishing on the Potomac, or cycling along the extensive network of local trails,” said Ken Kacere, senior vice president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean, in a news release.

As part of its overall national retail expansion plan, L.L.Bean decided to expand into Maryland because of the store’s proximity to natural resources and multiple opportunities for many outdoor activities, a population base that not only enjoys regularly engaging in outdoor pursuits, but one that also has a high-degree of awareness of and affinity for L.L.Bean.

L.L.Bean also operates a store in Tysons Corner, Virginia, about 15 miles away, along with a kiosk in The Mall in Columbia. This will be L.L.Bean’s 33rd retail store outside of Maine.

A company news release says the store will include L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, which will offer demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on courses for outdoor activities, all designed to make it easy for people to engage in outdoor recreation for health, fitness, and recreation. In 2016, over 150,000 people participated in these programs at stores nationwide.

“Federal Realty is thrilled to welcome L.L.Bean’s Maryland’s Flagship store to Pike & Rose,”said Stu Biel, vice president of leasing at Federal Realty. “This 105-year iconic brand focused on outdoor living is a perfect fit for Pike & Rose. Both L.L.Bean and Pike & Rose aim to inspire and connect others with a deep commitment to community and challenging the status quo. Together, our neighbors, residents, office workers and beyond will benefit from educational programs, on and off site events and a tried and true product line and place that will serve to inspire for decades and generations to come.”

»Photo of the flagship L.L.Bean store Freeport, Maine, courtesy of L.L.Bean