Don’t Miss Exploring the Iconic LL Bean Flagship Store in Freeport Maine
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It’s hard to imagine something more “Maine” than LL Bean. Transcending the concept of being a store, the brand is a way of life, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its hometown of Freeport Maine.
The L.L. Bean Flagship Store is one of five stores in Freeport — with L.L. Bean Discovery Park bringing entertainment throughout the year. Keep reading for all the deets on everything LL Bean.
History of L.L. Bean Freeport Maine
As with any great legacy, there’s a story behind the L.L. Bean company. It starts with a man fresh off a hunting trip in 1911. The cold, wet weather soaked his feet. As he sat shivering and disheveled, Leon Bean decided to fix this problem for all.
He created the first iteration of the Bean Boot, what many people now refer to as Duck Boots. As is the case with legacies, it didn’t start on the right (wet) foot.
“L.L. did not meet with immediate success. The bottoms and tops separated, and 90 of the first 100 pairs were returned. L.L. sent refunds, corrected the problem and sent more mailers.”
The Second Time’s the Charm
The next iteration was better but suffered from bad publicity. Tapping into his friendship with Arctic Adventurer Donal MacMillan, L.L. outfitted the team with his new boots.
MacMillan couldn’t stop raving. “My men are very enthusiastic over their experience with your foot equipment on our last Arctic Expedition, finding it extremely practical, especially for fall and spring work,” he noted.
The L.L. Bean brand took off over the following decades while folding into pop culture along the way. Even in 2022, the #llbeantok trend on TikTok created a resurgence of sales for the classic Boat & Tote bag first created in 1944.
Only this time, the monogramming was more about making a statement than just adding initials. Even Vogue couldn’t help but report on this trend.
TOP SELLER: While many people might assume the Boat & Tote or the Bean Boot is the bestseller, the Wicked Good Slipper sold at a rate of 80 per minute during the 2022 holiday season!
LL Bean Freeport in the Future
“You think you love it now, just wait until you see what’s coming!”
Greg Elder, Chief Retail Officer at L.L. Bean
The L.L. Bean Freeport vision is as rooted in the past as it is in the future, and the company made a major announcement in January 2023 regarding a $50 million infusion to reimagine the “Freeport Experience.” And, we can’t wait to see what the multi-year project has in store.
“Freeport has been our home for over 110 years, and our retail campus has evolved into the unofficial hub of downtown. We’ve fully embraced that identity and are building for our shared future by creating a best-in-class retail experience surrounding an enhanced outdoor space for all to enjoy right in the center of town.”
Shawn Gorman, Executive Chairman and great-grandson of L.L.Bean
The Lay of the LL Bean Campus
There are five L.L. Bean stores in Freeport Maine, and three of them surround the L.L. Bean Discovery Park. There’s another family icon on this campus — Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster. All the stores have water features and plenty of comfortable spots to sit or relax.
The L.L. Bean Flagship Store
Before you get inside, don’t miss the Instagram-worthy moment of the iconic Bean Boot, standing nearly 17 feet tall at the main entrance. This flagship store has 220,000 square feet of space, and you’ll find a variety of outdoor basics:
- General family apparel — pants, shirts, athletic clothing, coats, jackets, and fleece
- Footwear from boots to flip-flops
- Camping, hiking, and backpacking equipment
- Luggage
- Pet supplies
- L.L. Bean Signature Collection, including totes
- Monogramming and engraving services
The L.L. Bean Freeport Hunting & Fishing Store
The L.L. Bean Hunting & Fishing Store is an extension of the flagship store but with its own entrance outside as well. Here you’ll find:
- Hunting clothing and shoes
- Fishing equipment
- Archery items and an indoor archery range
- A pro shop
- Firearms
The L.L. Bean Freeport Maine Bike, Boat & Ski Store
The Bike, Boat & Ski Store is just a short walk across the parking lot facing Main Street. One benefit of shopping here is that you can shop by appointment to get customized and focused service quickly. Here you’ll find:
- Kayaks, SUPs, and canoes
- Snowshoes, cross-country skis, and a full-service ski shop
- Bicycles, accessories, and the Fit Kit System for bicycle fitting — LL Bean is the official vendor for Scott and Felt Bikes.
- Apparel for all those activities
The L.L. Bean Freeport Maine Home Store
If you’re standing at the Big Bean Boot and look across the parking lot, you’ll see the L.L. Bean Home Store. The comforts of home and seasonal vibes are found here:
- Furniture (indoor and outdoor, including hammocks)
- Lamps
- Bedding and bath products
- Rugs
- Kitchen and table accessories
- Holiday decorations
The L.L. Bean Freeport Village Station Outlet
The L.L. Bean Outlet store is in the Freeport Village Outlet shopping center across Maine Street, just a five-minute walk from the flagship store.
You can check the latest outlet deals on the store’s Facebook page. Discounts of up to 40% can be found year-round, and this store offers a mix of clothing, gear, footwear, luggage, and home furnishings.
Adventures With L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs
For those who want to “Live Like L.L.,” check out the Outdoor Discovery Programs available in Freeport (and several other cities). This idea launched in 1979 and really took off into the wild.
From day trips to weeklong adventures to women’s only classes, there’s a robust list of activities to try with an expert and outdoor lover at the helm. Examples of adventures are available on the L.L. Bean YouTube channel.
“At L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs, we won’t just help you get outside more. We’ll help you get more from being outside.”
Things to Do Near the L.L. Bean Freeport Maine Flagship Store
L.L. Bean’s Corporate Headquarters is less than 1 mile south on Main Street. Plus, LL Bean himself is buried at Webster Cemetery, just 4 miles from the flagship store, in a modest grave site along with beloved family members. Just look for the big BEAN stone and smaller markings with names.
One must-see stop in Freeport outside of L.L. Bean is the Desert of Maine, a unique location where the soil was sucked of all its nutrients, leading to the sandy landscape. For more than 100 years, this space has been an amusement park of Maine history and recreation.
FAQs About L.L. Bean in Freeport Maine
Is parking available for the L.L. Bean Flagship store campus?
Parking is free in Freeport Maine, whether it’s on the street, above-ground parking, or underground lots.
Freeport Village Station offers 500 covered spots in a garage and hundreds more above ground and throughout the shopping district. Just follow the street signs.
Overnight street parking is prohibited overnight from November until mid-April, but 24/7 store visitors can still use the parking lots.
Do you need a car in Freeport Maine to visit LL Bean?
No, you don’t need a car to visit L.L. Bean in Freeport Maine. The Amtrak Downeaster has a stop near the shopping district. The depot is right by the outlet store, and the campus is just a six-minute walk.
Also, the Metro BREEZ bus connects Brunswick, Freeport, Portland, and Yarmouth. Several stops are in Freeport Monday through Saturday, including the L.L. Bean Flagship Store.
What events are held in Freeport Maine near the L.L. Bean Flagship Store?
Freeport is home to many annual Maine festivals, including the popular Maine Oyster Festival, the Fall Festival, and the holiday season Sparkle Celebration — previously called the Northern Lights holiday event. Winter in Maine is another cherished season for LL Bean-guided outings.
Are all L.L. Bean stores in Freeport open 24/7?
The L.L. Bean Flagship Store with the “big boot” outside is open all day, every day — along with the attached hunting & fishing store. The other two stores on campus have typical daytime hours, as does the L.L. Bean Outlet.
Does L.L. Bean offer discounts?
Military members, college students, teachers, and medical professionals get a 10% discount at L.L. Bean once they are verified. Also, you can check the latest exclusive offers and promotions on the brand’s website.
Businesses can create bulk or customized orders too. Volume discounts kick in with a purchase of six or more items. Additionally, L.L. Bean Mastercard members get special discounts and accrue Bean Bucks on all purchases.
Will L.L. Bean have my size?
Doubling down on its commitment to having inclusive products for petite, tall, and extended sizing needs, L.L. Bean believes that “the outdoors is for every body (and everybody).”
On top of that, all sizes have the same price. LL Bean even caters to dogs with various items.
The L.L. Bean Flagship Store in Freeport Maine Is an Adventure
For many outdoor lovers, a visit to the L.L. Bean Freeport campus is a pilgrimage to get an immersive experience with the beloved brand. Three million people (and growing) visit each year. While it can be a hefty workout for your wallet, it’s a priceless experience for the soul. As Bean once said:
“To my mind, hunting and fishing is the big lure that takes us into the great open spaces and teaches us to forget the mean and petty things of life.”