Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its Bean Boot, everyday free shipping and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, is set to expand its retail operation with the opening of its first Wisconsin store, scheduled to open the spring of 2017.
The L.L.Bean store will be located at The Corners of Brookfield, a new and exciting dynamic mixed use development site featuring shopping, dining, entertainment, luxury apartments and more in Brookfield. The 15,000-square foot store will feature an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear including hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking and winter gear and camping products. The store will employ approximately 100 people. This will be L.L.Bean’s first store in Wisconsin and its 30th retail store outside of Maine.
"People in the Waukesha County area love their outdoor activities. From biking along the Greenway Trail System, skiing on the Mitchell park trails, paddling on the Fox River, to fishing on area lakes, we know this is going to be a great home for us because of all of the great outdoor activities to be had, all within a stone’s throw from the store," said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean. "Lots of people know us through our catalogs and web site, but our first store in Wisconsin will give folks in the Southeast Wisconsin and beyond the chance to experience the true essence of an outdoor store and the L.L.Bean brand firsthand."
L.L.Bean made the decision to continue to expand its retail presence into Wisconsin as part of its overall retail expansion plan and due to the store’s proximity to several abundant natural resources and multiple opportunities for many outdoor activities, as well as a population base that enjoys regularly engaging in a variety of outdoor pursuits. The store will allow the people of the greater Milwaukee area and beyond to experience first-hand everything that the legendary outdoor retailer has to offer, such as quality merchandise, a welcoming shopping environment and a large roster of ongoing demonstrations and clinics on a number of outdoor topics.
Of particular note will be the inclusion of L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, which will offer demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery and fly casting, all designed to make it easy for people to engage in outdoor activities for health, fitness and recreation. L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools’ courses are offered at every L.L.Bean Retail Store. In 2015, over 140,000 people participated in these programs.
"We are thrilled to welcome L.L.Bean to The Corners as it is another first-to-Wisconsin retailer that has chosen to be an important part of this unique and distinctive lifestyle center," said Jay Eck, Vice President, Bradford Real Estate Services Corp., which is the development manager for The Corners. "L.L.Bean’s unique offerings in product, customer and outdoor experiences will be a great attraction for area residents, including our customers and residential tenants."
