Published:
L.L.Bean Announces Retail Entry Into China
FREEPORT, Maine, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- L.L.Bean, a leading retailer of
quality outdoor gear and apparel, will open its first store inChina. The
store will be located in the Solana Mall inBeijing and will be operated
through a joint venture between the 96-year oldMaine outfitter and Youngone
Corporation of Korea. The open-air lifestyle shopping center Solana Mall is
located in Chaoyang Park, one of the largest urban parks inAsia.
The store opening marks the first time that L.L.Bean products are
available directly to consumers inChina through retail. TheBeijing store
will offer about 3,000 square feet of retail space, and is the first of five
L.L.Bean stores scheduled to open this year as part of the company's
China-based joint venture.
"L.L.Bean is a trusted and authentic brand that inspires and enables
individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors," said Chris McCormick,
President and CEO of L.L.Bean. "ThroughoutChina there is a growing interest
in participating in outdoor and recreational activities. L.L.Bean is a natural
fit within this market. This is an area we have been studying for some time as
we've considered ways to expand our International presence and diversify our
business.China provides many opportunities with their growing marketplace."
The store has been designed as a "total outdoor lifestyle shop" and will
provide a product assortment to support the growing active outdoor lifestyle
inChina. L.L.Bean product offerings will include men's, women's and
children's outdoor apparel and footwear, luggage, and a selection of outdoor
sporting goods including hiking and camping equipment.
The design and layout of the store will be reminiscent of the company's
flagship store inFreeport, Maine. The design makes use of natural lighting
and weathered timbers to create an outdoor atmosphere, and will feature
company heritage photos and displays focusing on outdoor recreation.
The store will be the first to be opened under a joint venture agreement
between L.L. Bean and Youngone Corporation.
"We have established a trusted partnership with Youngone," said Zane
Shatzer, General Manager of International Marketing. "Youngone shares our
corporate values and has broad experience in retail operations and in building
brands inChina. We look forward to working with them as we expand our retail
presence inChina."
Planning is currently underway for the Solana store's grand opening.
There will be a number of special events and activities and special archival
displays of vintage products and photographs reflecting the heritage of the
company.
About L.L.Bean, Inc.
L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multi-channel 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. While
its business has grown substantially, the company remains committed to the
same honest principles upon which it was built -- a focus on the customer,
continuous product improvement and innovation, respect for people,
preservation of the natural environment and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The 200,000 sq. ft. Flagship Store campus inFreeport, Maine is open 24 hours
a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than three million visitors each
year. L.L.Bean's international retail presence includes 15 retail stores in
Japan, with the firstJapan store opening inTokyo in 1992. L.L.Bean can be
found worldwide on www.llbean.com and in over 160 countries via the catalog.
SOURCE L.L.Bean, Inc.
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
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