L.L.Bean Temporarily Closes Maine Operations

Editor’s note/update: Authorities found the body of the man believed responsible for the mass shootings in Lewiston; he had died of a self-inflected gunshot wound. In the aftermath of that news, L.L. Bean announced its Freeport store complex would reopen Oct. 28.

L.L. Bean (Freeport, Maine) temporarily closed its retail, manufacturing and corporate facilities in southern Maine on Oct. 26, as authorities continued to search for the man believed responsible for killing 18 and injuring a dozen others in separate mass shootings in Lewiston the night before.

As of this posting, the suspect remained at large, and L.L. Bean released a follow-up statement this morning saying that its Lewiston manufacturing facility and Freeport-based retail complex (which is typically open 24/7) will remain closed today “out of an abundance of caution. Other L.L.Bean facilities and offices are reopening on a case-by-case basis.”

Here is the original statement on the closures from the retailer of outdoor apparel and gear:

“The tragic events in Lewiston [Wednesday] night have shocked and saddened all of us at L.L.Bean. Out of an abundance of caution, L.L.Bean’s Freeport-based stores will be closed today, Thursday, Oct. 26. Our Lewiston and Brunswick Manufacturing Facilities, and Freeport Order Fulfillment Center, Returns Buildings, Photo Studio, and Corporate Headquarters will also be closed. Our priority is, and will remain, the health and safety of our employees and customers. 

“Maine is more than just a place to us; it’s our home, our community, and our family. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy in our beloved state. We urge all of our neighbors to stay safe and look out for one another while we process these events together.”