L.L. Bean will open its third Virginia store this spring at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach

Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean will open its third Virginia store this spring at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach. The 16,700-square-foot store will be stocked with active and casual apparel and footwear as well as outdoor lifestyle gear. The store plans to hire about 100 employees.

“One of the reasons this will be a great home for us is due to all of the great outdoor activities that abound, from paddling and fishing on the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay to hiking and cycling in the several state parks nearby,” Ken Kacere, senior vice president and general manager of retail at L.L.Bean, said in a statement.

L.L.Bean said it made the decision tto expand its retail presence to Virginia Beach as part of an overall retail expansion plan. In addition, the area is close to several abundant natural resources with multiple opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Virginia Beach store will house L.L.Bean's Outdoor Discovery Schools. Located in all retail stores, they provide demonstrations, clinics and introductory hands-on activities to such activities as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, archery and fly casting. In 2014, according to L. L. Bean, more than 130,000 people participated in these programs.

Based in Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean opened a store at Short Pump Town Center in Henrico County in November. The company opened its first Virginia store in July 2000 at Tysons. It has set a goal of 100 retail stores by 2020.