L.L.Bean
United States
L.L.Bean is a privately held American outdoor and lifestyle retailer founded in 1912 in Freeport, Maine, best known for the Bean Boot. Greg Elder became president and chief executive in January 2026.
| Founded | 1912, Freeport, Maine |
|---|---|
| Founder | Leon Leonwood Bean |
| Ownership | Privately held |
| Chief executive | Greg Elder (since January 2026) |
| Headquarters | Freeport, United States |
| Website | llbean.com |
What is L.L.Bean?
L.L.Bean sells clothing, outdoor and utility gear, including boots, backpacks and tents, and home goods under its own name. It is privately held and headquartered at 15 Casco Street, Freeport, Maine.
History
Leon Leonwood Bean, a hunter and fisherman, founded the company in 1912 and began by selling the Maine Hunting Shoe, later called the Bean Boot, by mail order. His grandson Leon Gorman led the company from 1967 to 2001. Christopher McCormick became the first non family chief executive, and Stephen Smith the first hired from outside, in 2015.
Leadership
Shawn Gorman is chairman. Greg Elder was named president and chief executive in January 2026, succeeding Stephen Smith, who had announced in July 2025 that he would step down in spring 2026.
Business model and distribution
L.L.Bean operates a flagship store in Freeport and further retail and outlet stores; Wikipedia reports 54 or about 60 US locations depending on the section, plus 22 stores in Japan and 13 in Canada and about 200 partner stores such as Nordstrom. Revenue was reported at 1.7 billion US dollars for 2023. Roughly 75 percent of products are made overseas, many in China, while a workshop in Brunswick, Maine, makes some goods by hand.
L.L.Bean and e-commerce
The company launched e-commerce in Canada in 2018 and in 2024 ended mail orders, moving to online and phone ordering only. In 2018 it limited its unlimited return policy to one year with proof of purchase.
Why it matters
L.L.Bean shows how a catalogue era retailer has adapted to digital channels while keeping a family controlled, heritage led identity.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns L.L.Bean?
L.L.Bean is privately held. Shawn Gorman, a descendant of the founder, is chairman.
Where is L.L.Bean from?
L.L.Bean is an American company founded in 1912 in Freeport, Maine, by Leon Leonwood Bean, and is still headquartered there.