L.L. Bean, the iconic American retailer known for its rugged outdoor wear and heritage craftsmanship, is about to make a major splash in the heart of Toronto. The company is preparing to open its very first downtown storefront in Canada, a significant move marking its entrance into a metropolitan city centre for the first time ever.
Set to open its doors on August 22, the new location will be nestled within the Manulife Centre at 55 Bloor Street West, right in the bustling core of Canada’s largest city.
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L.L. Bean’s Legacy: From Maine to Main Streets Across Canada
Founded in 1912 in Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean has built a reputation over more than a century for its high-quality outerwear, functional apparel, outdoor gear, and home goods. Think of it as the American cousin to a blend of Hudson’s Bay and MEC — classic, outdoorsy, and built to last.
Though deeply rooted in New England, the brand has been steadily expanding its Canadian footprint over the past few years. Its first Canadian store opened in Oakville, Ontario, in 2019, followed by locations in Niagara Falls, Kingston, Barrie, and most recently, CF Shops at Don Mills in Toronto’s north end.
Canadian Growth: From Suburbs to City Core
With the upcoming downtown Toronto opening, L.L. Bean will bring its total Canadian store count to 16. Its presence now spans the country, with:
- Seven stores in Ontario, soon to be eight
- Two stores each in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec
- One store each in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
This downtown Toronto expansion represents a new era for the brand’s Canadian operations — not just in scale, but in strategy. By entering a dense urban market, L.L. Bean is tapping into a broader demographic of city dwellers looking for both style and function in their everyday apparel.
Why Bloor Street? The Strategic Location in Toronto’s Retail Scene
The new Bloor Street location is no accident. The Manulife Centre sits at the intersection of Yorkville luxury and downtown hustle, making it a prime spot for brands aiming to attract urban professionals, fashion-forward shoppers, and weekend adventurers alike.
This marks a strategic shift for L.L. Bean, which had previously focused on suburban and mid-size city locations. The move downtown positions the brand to reach a wider — and more diverse — audience, while staying true to its outdoor-loving roots.
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What L.L. Bean Says About the Expansion
According to Jaytex Group, the Canadian partner responsible for L.L. Bean’s operations north of the border, this latest opening is more than just another store — it’s a milestone in the brand’s long-term vision for Canada.
In a recent press release, Jaytex stated:
“As a proudly Canadian company, Jaytex is focused on bringing the brand’s heritage of timeless style, craftsmanship, function and outdoor spirit to communities across the country, now including one of Canada’s most vibrant areas.”
What Shoppers Can Expect From the New Store
While the specific offerings for the Bloor Street location have yet to be detailed, customers can expect a full range of L.L. Bean’s signature products:
- Durable and stylish outerwear
- Classic flannel shirts, sweaters, and base layers
- Practical footwear for all seasons
- A selection of camping gear, backpacks, and outdoor accessories
- Comfortable and rustic-inspired home goods
The store is also expected to embrace L.L. Bean’s warm, community-focused atmosphere, blending urban convenience with outdoor inspiration.
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Final Thoughts A Big Move for a Beloved Brand
L.L. Bean’s first downtown Toronto store is more than a retail expansion — it’s a bold step into a new market that reflects how the brand is evolving. By planting roots on Bloor Street, L.L. Bean is embracing the modern urban adventurer without letting go of the outdoor spirit that made it famous.
Whether you’re an L.L. Bean loyalist or a new shopper curious about the brand’s offerings, this new flagship promises to bring a fresh twist on timeless style right to the city’s doorstep.