L.L. Bean announces plans to open first Florida store at University Town Center
The competition for outdoor gear and apparel is about to heat up.
L.L. Bean is opening its first Florida store, located at 111 North Cattleman Road, in University Town Center’s West District, just a few doors down from where popular recreation services store REI Co-op opened in 2023.
An L.L. Bean company spokesperson said they are aiming to open the Sarasota location in early May.
L.L Bean stores sell clothing, outdoor equipment and apparel, footwear, bags, travel accessories, home goods and outdoor adventure services.
The company’s flagship store is in Freeport, Maine. Leon Leonwood Bean founded the company in the Pine Tree State in 1912, according to company history.
It remains a privately held, family-owned company today. In its first year, the company only sold one item: the Maine hunting shoe.
That item, which is symbolized with a giant replica boot in front of its flagship store, was sold through a flyer, according to company history. By 2018, L.L. Bean’s shopping catalog reached customers in 50 states and 150 countries.
L.L. Bean has more than 50 retail stores in 18 states.
A company spokesperson did not specify an exact date for the Sarasota store to open, but said the store is nearly 17,000 square feet. The storefront was previously home to Bed, Bath & Beyond. That retailer filed for bankruptcy in 2023, according to the New York Times.
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
