L.L. Bean opens 17K-square-foot store at UTC, first in Florida

L.L. Bean has opened its first store in Florida, at University Town Center. The nearly 17,000-square-foot shop is hosting a grand opening off North Cattlemen Road near Target May 9. Located in the previous Bed, Bath & Beyond space, the store has been welcoming customers daily since April 30 for a soft opening.

The retailer, which specializes in apparel and gear for outdoor enthusiasts, was founded in 1912 in Maine. Its UTC location marks the brand’s entry into the Southeast; the next-furthest south store is in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to L.L. Bean District Manager Kenon Mitchell.

“Sarasota is a natural fit for L.L.Bean,” Mitchell says. “Our mission is to get everybody outside to enjoy the restorative power of the outdoors.”