Major National Brand For Outdoor Enthusiasts To Open First FL Store

SARASOTA, FL — Outdoor lifestyle brand L.L. Bean will open its first Florida retail store next month, according to a news release.

The 17,000-square-foot store, opening May 9 at the University Town Center in Sarasota, is also the brand’s first brick-and-mortar location in the U.S. Southeast.

L.L. Bean, founded in Maine in 1912, caters to outdoor enthusiasts. At the new Sarasota store, customers can find plenty of warm-weather options for men, women and children, including lightweight sun-protection shirts, moisture-wicking shorts, breezy linen pants, seersucker tops, versatile outerwear, sandals, swimwear, and the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for May 9 at 8:45 a.m. and will feature L.L. bean representatives and local elected officials.

The first 100 customers on May 9-10 will receive a $50 L.L. Bean gift card. Shoppers can line-up outside the store starting at 6 a.m. There will be giveaways, family-friendly activities and photos with the L.L. Bean Bootmobile both days, as well.

The company will also make a $10,000 donation to the Sarasota City YMCA to provide summer camp access for underserved youth. Since 2022, L.L.Bean has contributed more than $2.25 million to YMCA Summer Camp scholarships across the country.

“Sarasota is a natural fit for L.L.Bean,” Kenon Mitchell, district manager for the company, said. “With year-round sunshine and a strong connection to the outdoors, this community reflects our purpose to enable everyone to experience the restorative benefits of being outside. L.L.Bean has long offered products that support an outdoor lifestyle in warmer climates, from lightweight layers to gear for beach days, travel and everyday adventure. This store will allow Floridians to experience these products in person, and we’re excited to create a space where guests can connect with the brand in a more tangible, hands-on way.”