FREEPORT, Maine – L.L. Bean is expanding direct-to-customer catalog and in-store sales with an agreement to sell products in Nordstrom, Staples and Fargo-based Scheels Sporting Goods.
The first phase started with L.L. Bean backpacks and water bottles that went on sale in more than 1,000 Staples stores two weeks ago. Staples is a leading chain for back-to-school shopping.
The agreements represent a push to get L.L. Bean products in front of more consumers. Scheels currently has 28 locations in 13 states.
Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at NPD Group, said it’s smart for retailers to form partnerships in a difficult retail environment.
