Freeport, Maine-based outdoor retailer L.L.Bean Inc. will open its first store in Michigan this summer at The Mall of Partridge Creek in Clinton Township.
“From paddling and fishing on the Clinton River and in Lake St. Clair, to cycling along the Clinton River Trail, we know this is going to be a great home for us because of all of the great outdoor activities to be had, all within a stone’s throw from the store,” says Ken Kacere, senior vice president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean.
“Lots of people know us through our catalogs and website, but our newest store in Michigan will give folks in the Detroit area the chance to experience the true essence of an outdoor store and the L.L.Bean brand firsthand.”
Kacere says the 14,000-square-foot store at the open-air mall, to be located between the Pandora and Lush stores, will offer active and casual apparel and footwear, along with hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking, and winter gear and camping products.
The retailer will also offer its L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools program, which includes demonstrations, clinics, and introductory activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, and fly-casting.
Kacere says the store will employ 100 people, and hiring is underway. The new storefront marks L.L.Bean’s 30th retail store outside of Maine.
L.L.Bean, founded in 1912, began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. The company is still family owned by Shawn Gorman, chairman of the company and a great grandson of founder, Leon Leonwood Bean.
The Mall of Partridge Creek, located off Hall Road, features nearly 90 shops and restaurants.
