L.L. Bean hiring ahead of store opening at UTC

The first store for L.L. Bean in Florida will be opening this spring, and the outdoor lifestyle brand is hiring 30 employees to staff its location at UTC.

Positions available at the Sarasota location — which will be in the former Bed, Bath & Beyond space on North Cattlemen Road — include store team leaders and sales associates, according to a statement, and the company is accepting applications online.

“We’re looking for passionate individuals who love the outdoors, appreciate all that Florida has to offer, and are dedicated to providing the customer service that L.L.Bean is famous for,” L.L. Bean District Manager Kenon Mitchell says in the statement.

The store plans to open at UTC in early May, according to an L.L. Bean spokesperson.

Headquartered in Maine, the company has made a name for itself creating clothing and footwear that is both durable and functional. For the Florida store, officials say the inventory will include products like moisture-wicking shorts, sun-protection shirts, seersucker tops, swimwear, linen pants, sandals and water shoes.

“Our founder, Leon Leonwood Bean, believed that we’re at our best when we are outside, so we’re excited to open our first store in the Sunshine State. This new location will give both Floridians and visitors a selection of style and function for all that Florida has to offer,” L.L. Bean Chief Retail Officer Greg Elder says in the statement. “Whether people are enjoying Florida’s beaches, hiking its scenic trails, exploring its legendary parks, or retreating to the A/C, we’re here to provide the clothing and footwear to make every moment enjoyable.”

Before the store opens, Sarasota will receive a visit from the Bootmobile, which is a GMC Sierra vehicle that has been designed to look like the iconic L.L. Bean boot. It will make various stops in the greater Sarasota community from March 29 to April 5, the release states. 

In addition to being the brand's first store in Florida, the L.L. Bean at UTC will be the first for the company in the Southeast, the Business Observer previously reported.