L.L. Bean announces opening date new store at University Town Center
.jpg "L.L. Bean, a popular outdoor and recreation store, announced a grand opening date for its first Florida store. The 17,000-square-foot store at 111 North Cattleman Road, in University Town Center’s West District, will open on May 9, 2025.")
L.L. Bean’s first Florida store has a grand opening date.
The popular outdoor and recreation store, located at 111 North Cattleman Road, in University Town Center’s West District, opens May 9, the company said in a news release.
The company, which began in 1912 in Maine, is celebrating the opening of its nearly 17,000-square-foot store with various activities planned for customers on the store’s first two days. They include:
- On Friday, May 9, at 8:45 a.m., L.L.Bean hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony with company representatives, local elected officials and YMCA partners in attendance.
- L.L.Bean is making a $10,000 contribution to the Sarasota City YMCA for summer camp access for underserved youth.
- The first 100 customers at the store on May 9 and May 10 each day will receive a $50 L.L. Bean gift card, according to a news release. Customers can get in line starting at 6 a.m. each day.
- On May 9 and 10, the community is invited to celebrate with giveaways, family-friendly activities and photos with the iconic L.L.Bean Bootmobile.
L.L Bean stores sell clothing, outdoor equipment and apparel, footwear, bags, travel accessories, home goods and outdoor adventure services.
“Sarasota is a natural fit for L.L.Bean. 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 District Manager Kenon Mitchell said in a news release. “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.”
Mitchell added: “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.”
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.
L.L. Bean has more than 50 retail stores in 18 states.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
