Just in time to bundle up for fall’s crisp temperatures, Von Maur Department Store and L.L.Bean are teaming up to bring the iconic outfitter’s merchandise to the family-owned Von Maur chain.
Beginning this fall, Von Maur’s stores and online channels will begin offering the latest assortment of L.L.Bean favorites for men, women and kids, including select outerwear, clothing, footwear and accessories, Von Maur announced Tuesday, Sept. 24.
In a news release, the Davenport-based department store chain said the new relationship brings together two private, family-owned companies who each have been in business for well over a century. Von Maur celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022.
The renowned retailers will work together to offer a mix of mainstay and in-season L.L.Bean products for Von Maur shoppers. Its loyal clientele will be able to choose from classic and popular items such as “Boat and Tote” bags, “Wicked Good” slippers and moccasins, as well as a wide array of fleece, flannels, jackets, activewear, sleepwear and more.
“For more than 150 years, we have prided ourselves on the company we keep,” Jim von Maur, president and fourth-generation leader of Von Maur Department Stores, said in the release. “With L.L.Bean, we share a kindred spirit grounded in offering great products delivered with great service. We are thrilled this iconic American company will offer Von Maur shoppers a new way to outfit their family’s active lifestyle through their high-quality and reasonably priced products.”
L.L.Bean’s clothing products have already been available in other retail chains such as Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Scheels.
Making brand accessible
“Wholesale partnerships continue to be an important part of how we make the L.L.Bean brand accessible to customers across the U.S. and advance our purpose of enabling people to experience the restorative power of being outside,” L.L. Bean Vice President of Wholesale Charlie Bruder said in the release. “As we evaluate potential wholesale partnerships through our brand lens, Von Maur’s retail expertise, values, and commitment to customer service made it feel like a natural fit for L.L.Bean.”
Named by “Newsweek” as “America’s Best Department Store” for three straight years, Von Maur has long been known for its outstanding selection of premium brands, specialty apparel, shoes, accessories and gifts. It currently operates 37 department stores in 15 states including stores at NorthPark and SouthPark malls in Davenport and Moline, respectively.
The company soon will open two new stores – at South Hills Village in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this fall, and at West Acres Mall in Fargo, North Dakota next spring as part of its strategic growth plan. In addition to its two new planned locations, Von Maur also previously announced it has kicked off an extensive, multi-phased, $100 million renovation of its stores over the next five years.
Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named chairman of the company’s board of directors in 2013. L.L.Bean operates 57 stores in 19 states across the United States, along with 22 stores in Japan and 13 stores in Canada, in partnership with Jaytex Group.
