How's LL Bean?

[Jl24]

I'm looking at their cardigans and they seem decent for that price range. Unfortunately, I live on the West Coast so I can't try them on at a retail store. Anyone know about the quality and the cut?

 

[Hawkeye]

Bean is a mail-order company, so there are no retail stores (except for the outlet in Maine). They have great customer service, and if you order something, you can always return it. I'm returning boots for the second time this winter (size down if ordering their boots). I would think the quality would be great, cut might just be like the Gap or JCrew.

 

[fastrunningmom]

Actually, they do have a few retail outlets outside of Maine, but not many. I know there is one in New Jersey someplace (on the shore?) and they are building one to open this Fall in SouthWindsor, CT. That said, I doubt there are any on the west coast.

 

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Bean is a mail-order company, so there are no retail stores (except for the outlet in Maine). They have great customer service, and if you order something, you can always return it. I'm returning boots for the second time this winter (size down if ordering their boots). I would think the quality would be great, cut might just be like the Gap or JCrew.

Actually, Bean now has several retail locations in the Northeast (with more on the way), including the flagship in Freeport, ME. There are also a few outlet locations.

I echo the above about customer service. It's outstanding. I also think the quality of Bean clothing and other items is particularly good given the price. The clothing is definitely conservative in styling.

 

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by JBZ

Actually, Bean now has several retail locations in the Northeast (with more on the way), including the flagship in Freeport, ME. There are also a few outlet locations.

I echo the above about customer service. It's outstanding. I also think the quality of Bean clothing and other items is particularly good given the price. The clothing is definitely conservative in styling.

Wow, you learn something new every day, I just went onto the website and found that they have 7 stores in the NE and 14 outlets. None in NY though

I guess I will stop into the one in MA, next time I visit the family.

Also from the website, the 100% Guarantee:

From kayaks to slippers, fly rods to sweaters, everything we sell at L.L.Bean is backed by the same rock-solid guarantee of satisfaction. It's been that way since our founder sold his very first pair of Bean Boots in 1912. Today we're proud to continue the tradition - by offering quality products and standing behind them.

Of course, we want you to be the final judge of quality. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, we'll replace it or give you your money back. It's that simple.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Also from the website, the 100% Guarantee:

From kayaks to slippers, fly rods to sweaters, everything we sell at L.L.Bean is backed by the same rock-solid guarantee of satisfaction. It's been that way since our founder sold his very first pair of Bean Boots in 1912. Today we're proud to continue the tradition - by offering quality products and standing behind them.

Of course, we want you to be the final judge of quality. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, we'll replace it or give you your money back. It's that simple.

yeah, their customer service and rteturn policy is outstanding. Im not sure if it still like this, but it used to be that once you bought something, you could return it forever. My friend's dad, who lives in Maine, bought a canvas duffle bag decades ago, and used to just stop by Freeport every few years to turn it in for a new one.

 

[The Devil's Hands]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

My friend's dad, who lives in Maine, bought a canvas duffle bag decades ago, and used to just stop by Freeport every few years to turn it in for a new one.

I find that completely unethical.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by The Devil's Hands

I find that completely unethical.

ummm... unless I'm mistaken, LL Bean's whole idea is to induce this kind of thing (And the customer loyalty that springs from people coming back to your store years down the road). "We stand by our products so much, that once its worn out, we'll replace it" etc It's not like he was going in in disguise with a forged receipt (to my knoweldge). Where is the ethical violation in gratefully taking advantage of a generous offer?

 

[The Devil's Hands]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

ummm... unless I'm mistaken, LL Bean's whole idea is to induce this kind of thing (And the customer loyalty that springs from people coming back to your store years down the road). "We stand by our products so much, that once its worn out, we'll replace it" etc

In the case, I guess it's ok. I normally don't like it when people abuse good faith agreements. But if that's the kind of thing they had in mind...eh.

 

[DocHolliday]

I have a pair of whipcord trousers I found at a Bean outlet that are among my favorite pieces of clothing. Only $30 too. Should have bought a second pair, though they seem to make an annual appearance, from what I've read here.

Overall, much of the stuff isn't to my taste, but I like the return policy.

 

[Jerry52]

Back a few years ago, it seems they would ship for free or some ridiculous fixed price like $3.00.

They seem to have great variety but, generally, more cater to "rugged" outdoorsy clothing than high style. I'm sure there are exceptions.

I imagine their Freeport store must be wonderful!

 

[Popsandfriends]

I live about 20 minutes from the LL Bean in Freeport, ME. They totally rock. Everything is on par with what you would expect from such a company. Their clothing selection is amazing

 

[DocHolliday]

Just to throw some cold water on the party, I'll say that their dressier shoe offerings aren't particularly nice. They're not AE prices, but they still don't live up to the Bean rep. The AA Trads would tell you the quality has gone down over the years.

 

[Stu]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Just to throw some cold water on the party, I'll say that their dressier shoe offerings aren't particularly nice. They're not AE prices, but they still don't live up to the Bean rep. The AA Trads would tell you the quality has gone down over the years.

I had a bizzare experience with a pair of Gore Tex hiking boots and the soles just disintegrated into these little fuzzy black powdery balls. I left trails of black rubbery powder all over the carpet at the place I used to work.

 

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Just to throw some cold water on the party, I'll say that their dressier shoe offerings aren't particularly nice. They're not AE prices, but they still don't live up to the Bean rep. The AA Trads would tell you the quality has gone down over the years.

It is true what you say about the AA Trads, but they say that about just about everything.

I agree with you regarding their dressier shoes - they're probably along the lines of Bass quality. I do have a pair of their casual blucher mocs which, so far (after about 6 or 8 months of pretty steady wear), are holding up well and are quite comfortable. Of course, their original Bean Boots are a classic. Also, for their 95th anniverary, they are offering a pair of "Engineer Boots" which they say are inspired by their original Engineer Boots and which are made in the USA. Since these are new, I have no idea as to actual quality or comfort. They look like they'd go well with a pair of jeans or perhaps some khakis.

Stu's experience with the hiking boots is, as he says, pretty bizarre.

I don't mean to come off as a shill for LL Bean, and it's definitely not somewhere I'd shop for dressier clothing, but, obviously, I like them quite a bit.