Maine-based international outdoor goods retailer L.L. Bean plans to open three new stores in Ontario by the end of the year.
The stores are planned for Barrie’s Georgian Mall on July 10, Ottawa Train Yards on August 21, and The Shops at Don Mills in Toronto later this fall, the company stated in a June 20 press release.
The locations would be the second, third, and third in Canada after the company opened its first store in Oakville in August 2019.
Success continuing
The move reflects the company’s continued success north of the border, officials stated, citing strong year-over-year sales and new customer growth.
“The positive response to our first store opening accelerated our expansion plan from two stores to three stores this year, despite the economic downturn,” L.L. Bean Vice President of Retail and International Greg Elder stated.
“We’re extremely grateful to our Canadian customers for welcoming us, and the continued success really speaks to the strength of the brand, the relevance of our iconic products and the kinship we share in the inherent love and care for the outdoors.”
Efforts began in 2018
L.L. Bean launched its Canadian e-commerce site in the fall of 2018, followed by the launch of a Canada-specific catalog.
“We’re extremely mindful of how and where we grow,” L.L. Bean President and CEO Stephen Smith stated.
“We’re excited to be able to offer our Canadian neighbors more options in more locations around the country this year, and to provide them the outdoor essentials they need to enjoy the many restorative benefits of being outside. We look forward to building on that relationship with our Canadian customers for years to come.”
The move comes after outdoor retailer Sail announced it was closing six stores in Ontario and Quebec, two days after announcing it filed for creditor protection. That restructuring is expected to impact 500 workers.
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