L.L.Bean partnered with Toronto-based distributor The Jaytex Group on the Canadian expansion, including L.L.Bean’s current wholesale distribution as well as a retail expansion that could see 20 branded L.L.Bean stores open in Canada over the next decade. Privately-owned Jaytex Group was founded in 1978 and features a portfolio of private label and lifestyle brands licensed in Canada.

Family-run L.L.Bean was founded by Leon Leonwood Bean in 1911 when he developed the brand’s flagship product, the Maine Hunting Shoe, which combines rubber bottoms with leather uppers to ensure one’s feet remained dry while hunting. L.L.Bean was officially founded in 1912 and has been in business for nearly 107 years.

The company’s original Maine flagship complex has been open since 1917, spanning 220,000 square feet and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The motivation behind L.L.Bean’s always-on hours was to accommodate visiting sportsmen who would drive all night and wanted an early start the following day. Fun fact: since 1951, the store has not had locks on the door – a true testament to its trust in the community.