Outdoor retailer L.L Bean makes its Quebec debut
Outdoor fashion and equipment retailer L.L. Bean opened its first store in Quebec on Friday.
Many people who waited in line for the store's grand opening in St-Bruno say they used to cross the border to Freeport, Maine, just to shop there.
"I went to Freeport each two to three years because I very much like the brand," said customer Denise Mondou, describing the brand as timeless and ageless.
That sentiment is widespread in the province, according to L.L Bean.
"Our customers here are very familiar with the product, and I think over time it felt it was best to come back to Quebec and take that step from e-commerce to the brick and mortar space," said Shirel Shayo, L.L Bean Canada's director of retail.
Salesperson Annick Ricard-Perras says customers come back because of the clothing's quality, especially in the era of fast fashion.
"In order to have good quality products, you have to be willing to invest," said Ricard-Perras.
Ahead of the grand opening, L.L Bean launched a French website, which it credits with increasing sales by nearly 20 per cent.
"Translating the website, we know for a lot of brands in all categories is a major endeavour and something that often holds back their expansion into Quebec because that's what's required of them," said retail strategist Carl Boutet.
At a time when many retailers are choosing to focus on online sales, the company says its customers still want to get up close and personal with the merchandise.
Another L.L Bean store is set to open in Boisbriand on September 29.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977485.1721935249!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
LIVE UPDATES Rain reduces wildfire activity, aids firefighters: Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials said Thursday night that rain over the day resulted in "minimal fire behaviour and spread."
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.