On December 9, outdoor brand L.L.Bean announced its second round of layoffs for 2024. This decision is seen as a step toward adapting to the rapidly changing retail landscape and building a sustainable future. The layoffs will affect 50 to 75 employees at the company’s headquarters in Maine, accounting for approximately 3% of its workforce in the state.
In a statement, a spokesperson from L.L.Bean said, “As the company continues to evaluate the fluctuating retail landscape and adapt our organizational design to enable long-term growth, we will implement a small, focused workforce reduction to better align resources with company goals and objectives.” It was also revealed that affected employees will receive severance packages and outplacement support, with some of the departures being voluntary.
Currently, L.L.Bean operates 56 stores across the United States and 25 stores in Japan. Additionally, the company has 13 licensed stores in Canada through a partnership agreement. Its product range extends beyond outdoor apparel to include camping gear, home goods, and pet products.
Earlier this year in April, L.L.Bean carried out layoffs in its customer service division, citing reduced call center hours as a result of shifting consumer behaviors. The company explained at the time that the rise of online shopping and a decline in customer service calls were the primary reasons. These changes in consumer behavior have prompted L.L.Bean to reevaluate its traditional operational methods, including this second round of layoffs, as part of its ongoing transformation.