Second LL Bean location planned to open in Minnesota by next summer

Outdoor enthusiasts will soon have another outlet to purchase equipment and clothing that can withstand the elements.

National brand LL Bean has started work on its second Minnesota store, at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove.

This week, the mall revealed plans to open the store by next summer. LL Bean will replace four old stores currently being demolished. The only other LL Bean store in the state is at the Mall of America.

“We are thrilled to welcome this iconic and versatile brand to The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes,” said Michael Landstad, general manager of the property. “LL Bean’s offerings are a perfect fit for so many Minnesotans who appreciate high-quality clothing and footwear for their outdoor lifestyle.”

At 17,000 square feet, the planned Maple Grove store will be 12,000 square feet smaller than its Mall of America counterpart.

The Shoppes, which has retailers such as H&M, Duluth Trading Co. and an IKEA pop-up, attracts 6 million visitors a year, said Linda Sell, marketing manager for the property.

Last year, LL Bean announced plans to continue growing its retail footprint, saying the sales performance of its recently opened store in New York’s Hudson Valley region highlighted the importance of physical retail locations. In that same announcement, LL Bean, which has roots in New England, detailed its plans to expand into the Southeast and Midwest, calling them “high-growth opportunities.”