Big doings over at LL Bean

[Tim_McD]

If you like heavy flannel shirts the Duluth Trading are nicer than LL Bean offerings, at a somewhat competitive price when on sale.

Duluth Trading are made overseas, too….po-tae-to, po-tah-to

Most ppl talk about made-in-the-USA clothing….and then skinflint over to the stores they love to bash; Walmart, Target, and Kohls

LL Bean has its best days behind it, but the bean boots are ME made and they have Made-in-America clothes that sell for a premium

I have tried various MiA clothing companies and they are priced accordingly, but don’t always meet expectations. A couple of gone under or retooled and the product quality took a dive while the price held

Shoes I have had good luck with; Chippewa, Quoody and Allen Edmonds. Those are about the only MiA products I have purchased that are “worth the premium”

 

[Golddiggie]

Kindred spirit. I've MEMORIZED every color of every item I have in my wardrobe. Because of that.

I've been addding some green items the last few years. I stay the F away from green. Could be brown. Could be gray. Might even be blue. Depends on the shade. LOL

Patterned is OK in layers. I find a plaid shirt by itself can be a tad aggressive.


Funny color blind story - it's 1990. Gulf War I. I'm working at Bentley Collitch. Lower Campus. The school puts a YELLOW ribbon on the WHITE steeple of the liberry. All of my coworkers are admiring it from hundreds of yards away. Because it's on the white and it's a bright sunny day, there is ZERO chance my handicapped eyes can see it at all. They were all adults (I was 20) and couldn't figure out why I couldn't see it. F'ing maroons. LOL

Being color blind can be interesting at times, frustrating other times. There have been plenty of times when I look at things where the people who picked the colors are either morons, or don't factor in how bad they combine. While they MIGHT look "OK" for some people, for others they might as well not even be present. Especially when you're talking type. Color combinations that we were told where I went to college (graphic design degree) that are simply BAD ideas for pretty much everything. Yet, I see them used far too often.

Sometimes people comment about X color items, where I don't see that color anywhere. Which means I either ask them for where it is, or just don't bother.

Last time I took a color test, I was able to correctly determine less than half the colors out there. At this point in my life I really don't care. There are times where I cannot tell if something is red or green, which can be an issue with some work related items. Luckily, most utilities are also using symbols to show state. I also cannot tell some of the blue color range. I will say that the colors I can see has changed over the years. Not sure if that's normal, or if I'm just tricking my brain into seeing a color that I really don't see.

All of this is a reason why I tend to pick 'safe' colors for things. Or I end up asking people for help to ensure I'm picking the color I THINK I am. At least when I order something online they put the color name right there so I don't need to worry so much. I might have not done this a time or two, and had to pay the price for it. Not going through that crap again.

 

[greencobra]

Are they selling off that big boot? Maybe the old woman from Storyland can grab it and upgrade?

fishfinder is living in it...

 

[Lucus]

The best bang for the buck is the Tractor Store.... Most Army Navy stores have the best selection of boots.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/clothing?cid=Google-Shopping&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzba9BhBhEiwA7glbalBI5hsOz1dYCl1ViuFuRZXV6QjXZQD525e3lffb1WfzVIl8RaIhHBoCgW0QAvD_BwE

Google Search

 

[Golddiggie]

I've gone to two different brand of boots depending on what I'm doing. For 'normal' tasks, a pair of Timberland boots. For things where I'm either going to be around heavy things that might get dropped, or want something warmer, I have a set of CAT boots. I've had the CAT boots for more than a few years now, since I won't wear them a ton, they're holding up well. The others get more use during the cooler months. The CAT boots probably see more use when I'm running the snowblower. Due to them being warmer among other aspects.

For both pairs, I've replaced the laces with better/stronger ones. Since the ones that came with them started to fray pretty quickly after getting them. IME, easily replaced with really good ones that will last at least as long as the boots.

The LL Bean boots were always ugly to me. My mother had them for years, until she wanted the last pair taken care of with the old warranty. Which had changed since she bought that set of boots. IIRC, she just wanted them resoled, so nothing major. They did some kind of deal for her on that, since there was a record in the system for the purchase. IMO, they could have switched the warranty coverage so that only verified purchased items were covered. If you bought online, easily done. If you get from one of their stores, also pretty easy to take care of. Buying from someone else (so used) maybe have a fee to get them covered. Skinflints wouldn't go for the fee, so that would be easily resolved. Instead they went the simpler route to just change the way it was done. Whatever. I really don't care since (as mentioned) I've not had any of their boots and don't plan to get any in the future.

BTW, the CAT boots I bought in late 2018. The Timberland were purchased in 2022. Both have plenty of life left in them. Didn't spend over $100 for either pair. Also, I've been using [kevlar] GreatLaces in both pairs of boots. Highly recommend.

 

[Ecocharles]

When they changed their return policy you knew they were heading downhill.

You can blame me for that one, I would buy/wear out/return their shoes and boots for years.

 

[Dennis in MA]

Lechemere Sales. Back in the 60s and 70s, their policy of "we just add $xx to the wholesale price of every refrigerator / washing machine / whatever" was great. Always shopped there if I had the chance. Then, the original owning family retired (they kept running the place after they sold it years earlier), and without them the place eventually went to big-box mode, changed the profit model, got sold to Montgomery Ward, and died with MW's bankruptcy.

I loved Lechmere and Service Merchandise. But even in the 80's, it was clear both would eventually fail.

Duluth Trading are made overseas, too….po-tae-to, po-tah-to

Most ppl talk about made-in-the-USA clothing….and then skinflint over to the stores they love to bash; Walmart, Target, and Kohls

LL Bean has its best days behind it, but the bean boots are ME made and they have Made-in-America clothes that sell for a premium

I have tried various MiA clothing companies and they are priced accordingly, but don’t always meet expectations. A couple of gone under or retooled and the product quality took a dive while the price held

Shoes I have had good luck with; Chippewa, Quoody and Allen Edmonds. Those are about the only MiA products I have purchased that are “worth the premium”

Fun fact - T-shirts at WM are American Giant. IIRC, it was early in the first Trump term, WM went to a t-shirt company and said, "What will it take to make these in the US if we order 499 gazillion of them per year?" The company figured out what it would cost to build out, get suppliers on board, etc.,

Today, your basic T-shirt in WM is. . . MADE IN THE USA!

 

[Golddiggie]

I'm probably a few weeks from placing some t-shirt orders from Magpul and Bunker Branding...

 

[M1911]

I've had good luck buying chamois and flannel shirts from LL Bean. Unlike some stores, they don't cost $150 and aren't sized for guys with a 28" waist.

 

[M1911]

I loved Lechmere and Service Merchandise. But even in the 80's, it was clear both would eventually fail.



Fun fact - T-shirts at WM are American Giant. IIRC, it was early in the first Trump term, WM went to a t-shirt company and said, "What will it take to make these in the US if we order 499 gazillion of them per year?" The company figured out what it would cost to build out, get suppliers on board, etc.,

Today, your basic T-shirt in WM is. . . MADE IN THE USA!

American Giant? I tried buying one of their $100+ sweatshirts. They are sized for guys with 28" waists and manbuns.

 

[Dadstoys]

At one point, weren't they open 24 hours a day? Grandfather said he could go there anytime to get camping/hunting supplies.

They were , we used to stop in at 1AM on the way back from smelt fishing, get some coffee and shop around a bit.

 

[garandman]

At one point, weren't they open 24 hours a day? Grandfather said he could go there anytime to get camping/hunting supplies.

Yes, so that hunters and fishermen could get supplies on the way north.

 

[Mesatchornug]

I loved Lechmere and Service Merchandise. But even in the 80's, it was clear both would eventually fail.



Fun fact - T-shirts at WM are American Giant. IIRC, it was early in the first Trump term, WM went to a t-shirt company and said, "What will it take to make these in the US if we order 499 gazillion of them per year?" The company figured out what it would cost to build out, get suppliers on board, etc.,

Today, your basic T-shirt in WM is. . . MADE IN THE USA!

My understanding, likely from the same podcast episode as you, is that that only applies to some of their products, but they're working to expand.

American Giant? I tried buying one of their $100+ sweatshirts. They are sized for guys with 28" waists and manbuns.

Hey man, we need shirts, too.

If it helps, I have a 32" waist and regularly complain at the lack of room in the thighs...

 

[Blackmore]

I refuse to say "Bean boots". They will always be Maine Hunting Shoes. My favorites were the winter insulated Vibram soled ones I got in the 70s. When they finally wore out, the transition to Bean boots was underway and they were no longer making that model so couldn't re-bottom and resole mine. Take away the word "hunting" and the tree hugger anti-hunters would buy them.

Today there are still a few models that say "Maine Hunting Shoe" on the heel, but most say Bean Boots.

 

[Jude Thaddeus]

I don't think the local carpet munchers will put up with that

Yes they will. As long as its made of silicone/rubber, they will welcome it.

 

[Garys]

That's the truth. They claimed it was because people were abusing the lifetime return policy. I'm sure some were, but it's more likely that it was because they were lowering quality to maintain profitabilty.

When they changed their return policy you knew they were heading downhill.

 

[Coyote33]

at their Mansfield store

I think the beginning of the end was when they opened stores other than the one in Freeport, Maine; and the catalog. I remember seeing one in North Conway, NH; and was like WTF? Then realized it was a big yuppie and family/kids thing, not fine quality sporting goods any more.

 

[SS1]

They haven't gone full Abercrombie and Fitch, yet.

Bought a Pullover Parka from BLDG 19
Great stuff, Just wore a t shirt underneath for snow blowing never got cold....

 

[Coyote33]

Did not know they are still around. Where is this store?

 

[SS1]

That's how long ago I bought it
It was the New Bedford store I believe, It was one of those advertised specials. Only so many per store

 

[bejay]

ll bean had to change their return policy, in part, because people were buying items from thrift stores, yard sales, etc and “returning” them. I do believe the return policy is still generous if you have a receipt.

REI had to change their policy as well for the same reasons. People would try to exchange old, beat up hiking boots for new ones. Old REI branded clothing with frayed cuffs and collars, etc. Some people have no class.
One of my work mates from years ago went into beans wearing a Ben jacket he bought many years before. The cuffs were frayed. One of the sales people saw it and insisted he replace it at no charge. Days have changed!

 

[bejay]

Not to mention the significant layoffs they had last fall.

 

[dans]

When they changed their return policy you knew they were heading downhill.

I know people who only bought dress shirts from Bean. Anytime the shirt started to show signs of wear they exchanged them for new ones. That’s the reason they changed the return policy.

 

[Garys]

That part of the attraction of their policy. It was lifetime in including wear and tear. I bought a Maine Warden Parka from them sometime in the early 1990s. It developed a tear in a pocket liner several years later. I called them and asked if they could repair it. They said, but they would replace it at no cost under the lifetime warranty. The replacement lasted about ten years before the zipper broke. Again they said they couldn't repair it and since it was summer they didn't have any in stock, so they gave me a store credit. I used that when they came back in stock and bought a new one. That one is hanging in my closet and shows no sign of wearing out.

That is why people bought Bean instead of cheaper clothes and luggage.

I know people who only bought dress shirts from Bean. Anytime the shirt started to show signs of wear they exchanged them for new ones. That’s the reason they changed the return policy.

 

[45Badger]

I'll agree with all the comments that LL Bean today isn't what it used to be. But what is now?

I also remember when you could call in an order and then go pick it up from a small window. They also used to have an actual factory outlet with some amazing prices.

My guess is that the new store will be like all the other "outdoor" store. Probably a big rock wall, pond/aquarium, and mostly clothes.

Like Orvis, it has become a “lifestyle” brand. As other have noted it’s china-mart at USA prices. Johnson woolen mills used to make their wool hunting pants, coats, and vests. Now it’s from somewhere in Asia.

 

[yogi]

I picked up some LLB snow sneakers and I can report they are as advertised; insulated, comfortable, and water proof. Also bought a light fall nylon quilt jacket that is very nice. It's hit or miss with them

 

[Golddiggie]

IME, it's difficult to find any true [100%] made in USA clothing these days. Even if a company is doing things like printing onto t-shirts in the US, the shirts often come from Chinah. At this point, I care more about the company at least being based in the US. At least my Carhartt jeans are made in Mexico instead of Chinah...

 

[Road_Clam]

I was just at LL about a month ago, nothing posted about any major renovations. I bought a few pairs of "Bean Stretch" denim jeans and my daughter wanted a NF 3 season jacket.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I’ve been wearing LL Bean’s flannel lined jeans for years now when doing things outside in the cold. They are must wear jeans when out at the range shooting for hours. Comfy and warm.

 

[Broc Tuah]

LL Bean s*cks a**.