L.L. Bean................made in Mexico??? (Freeport, Ellsworth: sale, to buy, taxes)

[399083453]

I used to love LLBean, but it got too expensive. I haven't shopped there in ages because of that reason.

Also, when I used to buy LLbean stuff, much of it was made in the usa, which was a good reason to buy from them. Now, its all oversea. I can buy stuff from oversea from anyone, I dont need to pay a premium at bean. Walmart will take anything back too.

[libbykt]

My mom said that the new addition to the Freeport store is very nice, and I told her for the prices they charge these days, it ought to be. I will say though, I get tons of compliments on all of my son's LL Bean outfits that his Grandma sends him from Maine. So there is a Mainer that still shops there, although her stepson works there so she does get the discount. It's going to be interesting to see how the new Cabela's store in Scarborough affects LL Bean.

[island mermaid]

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.

Well said Moughie. As a former seasonal employee for most of my adult life in either the Portland or Lewiston call centers, they treat their employees with much respect, provide wonderful benefits, and contribute more than most local companies. Maine needs LL Bean and their 24 hour shoppers!

[forest beekeeper]

I did not know that Bean stores are open 24 hours / day.

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I did not know that Bean stores are open 24 hours / day.

I think it's only the Freeport store. Other 24hr purchases would be catalog/internet.

[Unhappycamper]

I have not shopped at LL Bean since I worked there last season. I miss the 40% discount and fighting all the old ladies at the Employee Store.

[vickilynn]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I did not know that Bean stores are open 24 hours / day.

Way back in the 70's when I was in high school we used to drive up to Bean's late at night because there was nothing else to do (in Boothbay Harbor!)...everything was in bins. No fancy store or displays!

I was home over Christmas and stopped in on my way back to Virginia. The new store is gorgeous. Bean's is a big draw, especially during the summer months. I hate driving through Freeport in the summer, but you have to admit it is great for the economy. Just wish they would manufacture more products in the US and it would be even better for the economy.

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by Unhappycamper

I have not shopped at LL Bean since I worked there last season. I miss the 40% discount and fighting all the old ladies at the Employee Store.

LMAO...that's my wife's job but I have alot of great stuff at practically no cost.They also have a Use Store where employees can borrow everything from a canoe or kayak to snowshoes for free.

The Freeport store doesn't even have locks on the main doors. Bean also puts on a bunch of free concerts all summer long which is awesome.

[a tree grows]

I checked my slippers, made in China

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by a tree grows

I checked my slippers, made in China

Here's a tip...much of what you own is made in another country. I try to buy local whenever possible but if you have any electronics like tv, stereo, ipod, computer, cellphone, dvd player, on and on.....we don't have alot of choices. That's just the way it is.

We all want things that are made in the USA but the main problem is US. If you feel strongly that things should be made in the USA then stop buying all those things I mentioned above. Return the slippers from China.

There are many local choices for food, buy them. Luckily, Forest's goats and chickens are 100% American(I hope?). You can buy vehicles made in the USA.

Oakhurst milk is hormone free and local. A few years ago Monsanto sued Oakhust cause they felt their hormone free advertising was maligning them, the company that produces the growth hormone. Oakhurst won.