L.L. BEAN TURNS ITS FOCUS NORTH
U.S. retailer L.L. Bean is looking to sell more parkas, sweaters, flannel and mittens in Canada as part of its strategy for a return to sales growth. The 106-year-old retailer’s iconic boot and other products will be sold in 24 stores in Canada this holiday season, and in L.L. Bean-branded stores opening over the next decade. It has launched a dedicated Canadian website that smooths out duties and currency fluctuations. Freeport, Maine-based L.L. Bean has a strong customer base in Canada and its cold-weather gear and outdoor focus are a good fit, CEO Steve Smith said. It is partnering with Toronto-based Jaytex Group to distribute L.L. Bean products to Canadian retailers like Sporting Life, Hudson’s Bay, Mountain Equipment CoOp and SportChek. Under the agreement, Jaytex also will open L.L. Bean-branded stores in Canada, starting in the Toronto area in 2019.