L.L. Bean Officially Opens Its Doors At Brookside Plaza In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages descended upon the Brookside Plaza Friday morning to officially welcome one of the nation's largest retailers of clothing and outdoor recreation equipment to northern Connecticut.

L.L. Bean, a Maine-based corporation founded in 1912, now operates more than 40 retail stores and factory outlets in the United States, with over two dozen more in Canada and Japan. The store carries a full line of men's and women's apparel, camping gear, hiking and backpacking supplies, fishing equipment and footwear. Its best-known product is a pair of waterproof hunting shoes known as Bean Boots.

Customers began lining up in front of the store, situated in the former home of Bed Bath & Beyond, at 6 a.m. The first 100 people in line were presented $50 gift cards.

The site will be brimming with fun, games and refreshments during its celebratory opening weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There are giveaways, custom Bean Boots laces and photo opportunities with the company's famous Bootmobile.

The Enfield store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.