L.L.Bean to convert Fayetteville location to full retail store

FAYETTEVILLE — Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, Inc. today announced plans to convert its outlet store in the Fayetteville Towne Center into a full retail location.

The retailer expects to complete the conversion by June 7. The expanded Fayetteville location will be L.L.Bean’s 19th store outside Maine, the retailer said in a news release.

The outdoor gear and apparel outfitter is converting the store due to the “large number of catalog and web customers in the area,” L.L.Bean said.

The retailer also plans to double its current staff in the 15,000-square-foot store, which will feature its outdoor gear and apparel and new departments focusing on footwear and monogramming.

“Converting this store to full retail gives us the ability to offer customers an even better L.L.Bean experience through current-merchandise selections, ongoing in-store demonstrations and clinics, enhanced customer service, not to mention hands-on activities like kayaking through our Outdoor Discovery Schools,” said Ken Kacere, senior vice-president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean, which is headquartered in Freeport, Maine.

Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, L.L.Bean began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. It has grown into a global business with annual sales of $1.52 billion. In 2012, L.L.Bean employed almost 5,000 people year-round and more than 9,400 during the 2012 winter holiday season.