L.L. Bean hardly needs another review given its nation-wide appeal.
But given that this flagship store holds so many memories for both my husband and me, and how frequently we visit, it's time to give this stalwart company my own review.
This past weekend we visited friends in Maine where we did little more than sail, eat, and hang out, but still, as always, we made time for a Bean jaunt.
Although I've been coming here for many years, I can't beat the memories my husband has who as a boy along with his family would drive up from Connecticut in the old woody station wagon for vacations.
Along the way they would always stop at Bean which he remembers as being in a small building and only selling essential camping, boating, fishing, and hunting gear.
Today, this enormous flagship store is a very different place but built beautifully inside and out.
It's not only a shopping destination for outdoors-people but sells something for everyone and is a every bit of an "experience".
In addition to the original merchandise, of course we know that Bean sells all kinds of clothing mostly of the traditional, preppy variety along with an array of home goods including furniture.
The customer service continues to be a major draw. The staff is unfailingly polite and aims to please. There is a greeter at the door and plenty of staff throughout the store in each department.
Returns couldn't be easier with or without a receipt and regardless of when you purchased the item, if there is an issue, you can return it.
Bean doesn't get 5 stars from me because sadly the sheer number of items made in China and other places overseas now is distressing.
Even I remember when most of the merchandise was made in the USA with the exception of a few things made in countries known for hand-crafting the particular item.
The classic Bean boots which are however still made in Maine continue to be a staple of New England cold weather living.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l-l-bean-inc-freeport?userid=MtHD0Wdh4FtbyFJCb4yfUQ#u7r8WbzRjjrzYqmr_1t-Ew
I find it amusing to see magazine photos picturing ads of people wearing these boots more as a "fashion" statement for those, I suppose, aspiring to look like hardy New Englanders as opposed to extolling the boots for what they do best.
I bought myself a new pair on this visit. The ones with Thinsulate and Gore-Tex in particular keep feet dry and warm in all kinds of adverse weather conditions.
Buy them once and you'll probably have them forever unless like me, your foot has, even in adulthood, gotten slightly bigger.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l-l-bean-inc-freeport?select=l1FQMs9bpSbExnwFMY0Z4A#l1FQMs9bpSbExnwFMY0Z4A
If they ever need a new sole, L.L. Bean will do it for a nominal price.
The 100% cotton button-down oxford shirts that I love are now made in Peru of all places, but the quality on these does still seem good. We'll see how these new ones I bought will hold up.
I love the waxed cotton outerwear which is also great stuff in wet winter weather. The Bean waxed cotton jacket rivals the Barbour Bedale at a lower cost.
The classic Norwegian wool sweater is back after disappearing for more than 20 years. The one I inherited, which has to be 40 year old, still looks and wears like new. They are tough, densely knit sweaters that keep you so toasty that in the coldest weather you sometimes feel overheated.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l-l-bean-inc-freeport?userid=MtHD0Wdh4FtbyFJCb4yfUQ#E2yPnw7OfQGtAHgv4qyNaA
I've heard some say that these new versions, although still made in Norway, are not as thick as the originals. What else is new?
Glad to still have my oldie but goodie.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l-l-bean-inc-freeport?userid=MtHD0Wdh4FtbyFJCb4yfUQ#Orqpvw1Jag7gCob5e53xMA
If you're heading up to Maine it's most definitely worth making a "Bean stop" especially if you're only familiar with catalog shopping or their satellite stores which don't hold a candle to this one. It's a New England shopping experience you don't want to miss. read more