L.L. Bean is coming to Colorado.

The iconic outdoor retailer announced on Tuesday that it plans to open its first Centennial-state store Nov. 17 at Park Meadows mall.

The Douglas County store is the fabled retailer’s 22nd store outside of Maine. It will take about 13,000 square feet vacant since Grand Lux Cafe closed in March 2013.

Like its neighbor Crate & Barrel, L.L. Bean will have a sidewalk entrance and windows facing the parking lots on the east side of the shopping center.

“It’s very exciting to be opening our first Colorado store in an area that is just steps away from countless opportunities for outdoor recreation,” the company’s senior vice president and general manager of retail Ken Kacere said in a statement. “Being our western-most store, the Denver area is a great fit for L.L. Bean.”

The retailer, which was founded in 1912, has planned a three-day grand opening celebration for the Park Meadows location.

The company said it hopes to hire about 80 people for the new store.

“Most of the people out in the western part of the country know L.L. Bean from the catalog and the website,” company spokesman Mac McKeever said. “One thing we are excited about doing is giving the people in the Mile High-area the chance to experience our brand in (three dimensions).”

McKeever said the company has had its eye on the Denver-area for a long time. Colorado’s high proclivity for outdoor recreation and the state’s familiarity with the brand both played into the decision to open a store on the Front Range.

Along with the store will come L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, which will offer demonstrations, clinics and “hand-on” activities.

“What we are trying to do is not only get people outside more, but we are also trying to elevate the shopping experience,” McKeever said.

Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul