L.L. Bean................made in Mexico??? (Portland, Lewiston: home, buying, high school)

[goosie443]

just curious - why is it that "Most Mainers don't shop at Beans for anything more than pack boots and the occasional gift?

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by goosie443

just curious - why is it that "Most Mainers don't shop at Beans for anything more than pack boots and the occasional gift?

Before reading this thread, I did not realize that anyone bought their boots.

Otherwise it is all very expensive.

Higher quality is easy to find, and cheaper.

[dmyankee]

Originally Posted by goosie443

just curious - why is it that "Most Mainers don't shop at Beans for anything more than pack boots and the occasional gift?

Forest said it! There's better quality out there at much cheaper prices.

Bean's has become a trendy marketing company for the touristas. Practically the only ones I see wearing that stuff in these parts are the family members working in the office of an oil company.

[CreditWitch]

Living in Georgia I do buy LL Bean a lot. My kids get their school backpacks there every year. You cannot beat the foot waer. Sigh...i can be a walking catalogue. i am in the apparel industry and hate to do it...but I will bust out LL Bean. The only cost effective way to keep up in the Apparel industry is to make goods in Mexico, Honduras and the Far East. Matter of fact my company just closed our Mexico plants as we can now get it cheaper in the Far East. This is good if you are making brands that others put their name on (Private Label) as the middle man you have to carve out as much expense as you can to make any proffit. LL Bean does not have to comete with the private labels. they do not make their clothes for other companies.

LL Bean is seen as semi Lux. They can afford and should keep it made in the US to keep up the aura. Make sence? I ramble a bit.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by goosie443

just curious - why is it that "Most Mainers don't shop at Beans for anything more than pack boots and the occasional gift?

Some of their stuff is okay, but like FB and dmyankee, there are better options out there. Most of their catalogue seems to cater to the yuppie weekend warrior anyways and for the most part-I can't stand fleece.

[forest beekeeper]

There are a few sources of American made clothing and stuff:

www.round-house.com

www.allamericanclothing.com

www.madeinusa.org

www.usstuff.com

[MRVphotog]

LL Bean is a Maine icon, whether you like their stuff or not and it is still owned by the same family that started it over 100 years ago. They employ thousands of Mainers and many Mainers do shop there both at the store and by catalog.

With all due respect the statements

"Most Mainers don't shop at Beans for anything more than pack boots and the occasional gift?

Before reading this thread, I did not realize that anyone bought their boots.

are the typical misinformed opinions and comments we see on these boards, backed up by little facts. If you have any real info to share please post it as I'm very open to learning new things. I worked in Returns one season five years ago, "scratch and sniff" as we call it and there was nothing unusual about the reasons people returned their items.

When LL made his first 100 pairs of boots they all were returned and he did honor the 100% satisfaction guarantee, the same guarantee that is still honored today.

They put two large call centers in two of Maines most depressed cities, Lewiston and Waterville. They offer many educational programs and support many Maine causes.

It's been a few years since I have been to the Freeport store but my wife advised that the expansion of the western side of the store recently opened and it's the new Hunting anf Fishing department. The outlet store has been demolished for a new hotel. BTW, the store is still open 365/24/7

[Mom2Feebs]

We're just not really a sovereign nation, now, are we anymore? To hear Bean makes stuff in Mexico sadly makes good business sense, but not good American sense. Pretty soon we won't be able to wipe our own rear ends without our toilet paper coming from Sri Lanka.

[moughie]

Originally Posted by MRVphotog

LL Bean is a Maine icon, whether you like their stuff or not and it is still owned by the same family that started it over 100 years ago. They employ thousands of Mainers and many Mainers do shop there both at the store and by catalog.

When LL made his first 100 pairs of boots they all were returned and he did honor the 100% satisfaction guarantee, the same guarantee that is still honored today.

They put two large call centers in two of Maines most depressed cities, Lewiston and Waterville. They offer many educational programs and support many Maine causes.

It's been a few years since I have been to the Freeport store but my wife advised that the expansion of the western side of the store recently opened and it's the new Hunting anf Fishing department. The outlet store has been demolished for a new hotel. BTW, the store is still open 365/24/7

Excellent post!!!!

Let us not bash Bean's as they are an integral part of the Maine Economy. Additionally they are a source of pride and joy.
Sure, maybe you can find similar products for cheaper elsewhere, but I guarantee that each of us know or or is friends with someone who works for Beans. They treat their employees well and with dignity. Most importantly, they contribute so much to help stimulate the local economy.
As MRV pointed out- Lewiston and Waterville are prime examples.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by goosie443

just curious - why is it that "Most Mainers don't shop at Beans for anything more than pack boots and the occasional gift?

Simple. They don't want my money. At least that is the impression they gave me. Right after moving to Maine in 87 I took the 4 1/2 trip down to the store and while there filled out the request for a catalog. Couple of months later, I'm camping down that way and filled out another request for a catalog. Following year, same song. Every year for about 5 years I filled out a catalog request at the store and online. Even checked the box when I ordered something. NOTHING. 2 months after moving to Michigan I start getting catalogs from who---you guessed it, Bean. Never do I darken their door, or website.

Originally Posted by moughie

Excellent post!!!!

Let us not bash Bean's as they are an integral part of the Maine Economy. Additionally they are a source of pride and joy.
Sure, maybe you can find similar products for cheaper elsewhere, but I guarantee that each of us know or or is friends with someone who works for Beans. They treat their employees well and with dignity. Most importantly, they contribute so much to help stimulate the local economy.
As MRV pointed out- Lewiston and Waterville are prime examples.

Actually I know nobody who works either directly or indirectly for LL Bean. LL Bean can close their doors for the economic impact that have up here. Personally I hope the new Cabelas store in Scarborough gives them a run for their money.