Does anyone know anyone who works for L.L. Bean? (Portland: sales, home)

[fishinginasuit]

Does anyone know anyone who works for L.L. Bean? I have only ever known one person who knew someone who worked there and they claimed that they loved it. I have always thought that it seemed like it would be a great place to work. Any input?

[rfield01]

Know some folks who work there in different capacities. Have an uncle who teaches skeet shooting and he is, I think, happy with it. Others seem content if not outright happy. But, then there are not many big companies with benefits in ME. At least that is what my friends and contacts say.

[juststoppinby]

I have a friend that works there as a cashier and another that is a trainer. Both have been there for years and both claim to enjoy their jobs. They both say they are treated very well.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by fishinginasuit

Does anyone know anyone who works for L.L. Bean? I have only ever known one person who knew someone who worked there and they claimed that they loved it. I have always thought that it seemed like it would be a great place to work. Any input?

My daughter is a Graphic Designer in their catalog dept. She's been there for almost 2 yrs. It was her second job right out of college. She's very happy there. Their benefits are great, she loves the people in her dept. She's a page production specialist currently working in the Home catalog.

I worked there seasonally for almost 20 years in 2 of their call centers, Northport (Allen Ave in Portland) and The Peck Bldg in Lewiston.
Seasonal employees are also treated well. Retirees still have access to many of their former benefits including access to shop at the e-store. (The employee store) and they also still get the fabulous LL Bean discount of 33.3% off. IMHO- they're a great employer.

[fishinginasuit]

I would love a job with them. I'm currently a teacher. I guess I could be a trainer. That would be pretty cool, but I never see that as a job opening when I've checked the website.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by fishinginasuit

Does anyone know anyone who works for L.L. Bean? I have only ever known one person who knew someone who worked there and they claimed that they loved it. I have always thought that it seemed like it would be a great place to work. Any input?

I know a lady who used to work there. She says the pay and benefits were fantastic but it was a VERY high-pressure job. You're expected to sell, sell, sell, push product, be pushy with a smile to every customer. If you aren't, you get in trouble, and they do watch you.

That was her take on it anyway. Although the few times I've been in the store, I've never felt harassed or bullied by the sales staff.

She says she's much happier now working at a bank.

[fishinginasuit]

Do they provide health care?

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

I know a lady who used to work there. She says the pay and benefits were fantastic but it was a VERY high-pressure job. You're expected to sell, sell, sell, push product, be pushy with a smile to every customer. If you aren't, you get in trouble, and they do watch you.

That was her take on it anyway. Although the few times I've been in the store, I've never felt harassed or bullied by the sales staff.

She says she's much happier now working at a bank.

Well, I worked at Bean for 5 years and the wife is starting her 26th year. Every once in awhile there is a bad supervisor/manager who might do that but overall there is no high pressure to be pushy. A happy worker is a reliable productive worker.

Being pushy and aggressive goes against Bean's philosophy that great products with great customer service who is respectful backed by a strong guarantee will sell the products and most importantly resulting in a return visit.

Emp benefits, The 30% discounts, it does vary with hardgoods/softgoods and if Bean makes the product. 25% discount at outlet stores. The best perk is the access to the employee store which come from returns. Great stuff for pennies on the dollar. There is also a equipment use place where employees can borrow anything from a canoe to a tent for free.

If your yearround you do get health benefits but the peak employees(Oct-Jan) do not.

Bean is currently embarking on a huge expansion project in Freeport.....the town where nothing is free

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by fishinginasuit

Does anyone know anyone who works for L.L. Bean? I have only ever known one person who knew someone who worked there and they claimed that they loved it. I have always thought that it seemed like it would be a great place to work. Any input?

I knew someone,who's husband worked there. I know she told me he loved it, and the benefits were so employee friendly. (But she came down with an illness and he had to relocate with her closer to family before the final days. So he did enjoy it very very much.)
I would probably enjoy working for them, since I am there number one fan.

[dmyankee]

Hmmm...

So it's the employees who can actually afford Beans overpriced garbage.