FREEPORT, ME, February 25, 2008 -- L.L.Bean is pleased to announce the expansion of its retail presence into the upper Midwest region of the US. The 96-year-old Maine outdoor gear and apparel outfitter will open its first store in the Chicago region in September 2008. The move into Chicago represents L.L.Bean’s first store expansion outside the Northeast corridor.
Planning is currently underway for a new 30,000-square-foot store at The Arboretum of South Barrington in Chicago’s affluent northwest suburbs. As part of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the store will be built to US Green Building Council’s LEED standards. The Arboretum location will be L.L.Bean’s seventh “green” store, incorporating creative use of recycled and reclaimed materials as well as state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.
“Our stores are where the L.L.Bean catalogs come to life for our customers,” said Chris McCormick, President and CEO of L.L.Bean. “It’s very exciting to enter the Chicago market where we have a strong and dedicated customer base as well as abundant opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. We will offer our authentic product selection of active, outdoor sports gear along with our other popular lines such as men’s and women’s casual apparel and kids'."
L.L.Bean made the decision to expand its retail presence into the Chicago area as part of its broader retail expansion strategy. The Maine-based merchant has plans to operate 32 stores by 2012.
“L.L.Bean has many catalog and Web customers in the Chicago area, which is one of our largest markets. Our new store will showcase a unique product selection for our active outdoor customers,” said Ken Kacere, L.L.Bean’s Senior Vice President of Retail. The store allows Chicagoland’s devoted L.L.Bean fans and outdoor enthusiasts to experience firsthand all that the legendary retailer has to offer. Adding to the interest of the new store is the inclusion of L.L.Bean’s popular Outdoor Discovery Schools®, where expert instructors offer “Walk-On Adventures” – introductory hands-on experiences in sports such as kayaking and fly fishing, providing customers an opportunity to learn about the activities that inspire L.L.Bean products. The new store will employ approximately 125 people.
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For more information on any L.L.Bean news item or to arrange an interview with one of our in-house experts (on topics ranging from the outdoors to business), we invite the media to contact L.L.Bean Public Affairs at 207.552.6072.
The Arboretum of South Barrington is a 600,000 square-foot lifestyle center under development in Chicago’s affluent northwest suburbs, with completion scheduled for fall 2008. The open-air center, which broke ground in May 2007, is named for the lush treescapes and gardens of its landscape, and for the large tree farm that formerly stood on the site. Among retailers at The Arboretum of South Barrington are three unique anchors, including the country’s first Village Road Show Gold Class Cinemas, a luxury cinema experience and the new way to go to the movies; LL Bean’s first Midwest outdoor gear and apparel store; and Pinstripes, Chicago’s own bowling, bocce and bistro concept. An upscale mix of fashion apparel brands, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailers are also planned -- all less than a mile from the four-way interchange at I-90 ( the region’s major transportation artery), at the highly coveted intersection of Illinois Routes 59 and 72. Other retailers signed include Arhaus, Anna Shea Chocolates & Lounge, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A. Bank, Ann Taylor Loft, Victoria’s Secret, DSW, Panera Bread, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
The Jaffe Companies, owner and developer of The Arboretum of South Barrington, has been developing successful shopping centers and mixed-use projects for nearly two decades across the US, primarily in the Midwest. Firm principal Michael Jaffe has been involved in several notable projects, including Huebner Oaks Center, a 400,000-square-foot lifestyle center in San Antonio, Texas; Geneva Commons, a 450,000-square-foot lifestyle center in Geneva, Ill; and Orchard Grove Shopping Center in Aurora, Ill.
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