Iconic Maine Retailer L.L. Bean Announces Another Round of Layoffs

Over the last few years, we have seen a dramatic shift in the way brick-and-mortar retailers operate.

The sweeping changes started during the spring of 2020.

During the pandemic, we all became aware that nearly anything could be purchased online and either shipped directly to our homes or made available for curbside pickup.  Because of these shifts, we have seen many iconic stores make adjustments to how they do business.

These changes are just the natural order of the world.  The way businesses operate is always changing.  For example, until the 1950s, the preferred method for getting from the United States to Europe was by ocean liner.  Then, almost overnight, jet airliners made crossing the Atlantic Ocean fast, affordable, and comfortable.  Now, instead of offering passenger service, the surviving liner companies offer pleasure cruises.

Additional Layoffs at L.L. Bean

According to an article on the WCSH 6 website, the Freeport-based retailer has announced that it will lay off between 50 and 75 employees.  That accounts for between 2% and 3% of the company's total staff.

The article goes on to explain that the laid off employees will get a severance package and will be offered job placement help.  Additionally, some of the layoff will be voluntary.

According to the article, the reason given for the layoffs was the "fluctuating retail landscape".

This is the second round of layoffs the company has made this year.  In April, L.L. Bean announced a reduction in call center staff and that it would be limiting the hours the call center would operate.  The reason given for those layoffs was an increase in online shopping over the last few years.