L.L.Bean Reopens Freeport Flagship After $50 Million Renovation

L.L.Bean completed a $50 million transformation of its flagship store and campus in Freeport, Maine, marking the end of a renovation period lasting nearly two years. President and CEO Greg Elder and Chairman Shawn Gorman led a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Discovery Park on September 14 to unveil the updated facility.

The reimagined campus features a new entrance with a large staircase, an expanded Discovery Park, and a children's area inspired by Maine summer camps that includes a campfire. Other upgrades include a Custom Shop for gear personalization, a refreshed 1912 Café with more seating, and 21,000 gallons of fish tanks, including a two-level trout pond and an upgraded stream tank.

As part of the reopening, the company is reinstating 24-hour shopping, a practice that had been suspended during the pandemic due to a shift toward online sales. The public grand reopening begins Friday, September 18, launching a six-week series of celebrations running through October 25. The festivities kick off with a concert by Kip Moore and continue with themed weekends, including Heritage Weekend, the Freeport Fall Festival, Makers Weekend, and the Pumpkin Festival. The celebrations conclude with Home Team Weekend, featuring a concert by The Wallflowers and sports experiences with the Portland Hearts of Pine and the Red Sox.