L.L.Bean’s brick-and-mortar retail expansion will continue in 2026 following its rollout of seven new locations in 2025.
Physical retail is “an essential part of our growth strategy,” L.L.Bean Chief Retail Officer Greg Elder told RetailDive. The company plans to open eight more stores in 2026 and an additional eight to 10 in 2027.
“By thoughtfully entering new markets and investing in meaningful, experience-driven stores, we’re purposefully meeting customers where they are and creating more opportunities to connect with L.L.Bean in ways that reflect our values of quality, craftsmanship, and meaningful time spent outside,” Elder said.
A New Chapter in Retail Strategy
Historically, L.L.Bean served customers through a mail-order catalog and later via an ecommerce platform that now generates over $1 billion in annual sales, reported RetailDive.
As it expands its footprint, the company is targeting high-growth areas, with plans to establish its first stores in Alabama and Tennessee in 2026, bringing its total to 76 stores across 21 states. This year, the company opened its first Florida store. Next year, the retailer will open in:
- Huntsville, Ala.
- Glen Mills, Penn.
- Maple Grove, Minn.
- Franklin, Tenn.
- Beavercreek, Ohio
- Naperville, Ill.
- Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Ann Arbor, Mich.
Reimagining the Flagship Experience
L.L.Bean is also in the midst of a major overhaul of its flagship campus in Freeport, Maine. This location, a destination for locals and tourists for over a century, is being transformed to offer a more immersive brand experience.
Scheduled for a fall 2026 debut, the renovated campus will feature a larger trout pond, a children’s play area inspired by summer camps, a dedicated floor for product customization and an expanded café. The outdoor Discovery Park will also be enlarged to host more events.
Looking for New Leadership
L.L.Bean is also searching for a new CEO. Current President and CEO Stephen Smith, who has served in the role for a decade, plans to depart in spring 2026.
“Leading L.L.Bean has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Smith said in a statement in July. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible people who care deeply about this company, our customers, and each other. Together, we’ve navigated change, celebrated success, and stayed true to what makes L.L.Bean special.”
