L.L. Bean has opened its first store in Florida, at University Town Center. The nearly 17,000-square-foot shop is hosting a grand opening off North Cattlemen Road near Target May 9. Located in the previous Bed, Bath & Beyond space, the store has been welcoming customers daily since April 30 for a soft opening.

The retailer, which specializes in apparel and gear for outdoor enthusiasts, was founded in 1912 in Maine. Its UTC location marks the brand’s entry into the Southeast; the next-furthest south store is in Virginia Beach, Virginia, according to L.L. Bean District Manager Kenon Mitchell.

“Sarasota is a natural fit for L.L.Bean,” Mitchell says. “Our mission is to get everybody outside to enjoy the restorative power of the outdoors.”

Among the items available at the store are moisture-wicking shorts, sun-protection shirts, seersucker tops, swimwear, linen pants and flip-flops. L.L. Bean also sells fishing rods; beach coolers and wagons; travel gear; hammocks and Adirondack chairs; pet toys, beds, collars and leashes; children’s clothing; water bottles; tote bags; and shoes.

“We’re so known for our cold-weather [gear]," Mitchell says, "but we have an equal amount of warm weather [items]."

During the first several days open for the UTC store, Mitchell says, "I wouldn't say there's a best seller, but shorts are selling like crazy."

She adds that “tropic wear" has also been a hot item. Tropic wear is breathable, sun-blocking apparel.

Coming into a new part of the United States has required a new approach, she notes.

“In opening a store this far south, we finally have a warm-weather strategy for our product assortment,” Mitchell tells the Business Observer during a tour of the store. The Sarasota store will “get spring [items] earlier and carry summer longer, and we’ll still get winter [products], but it will be a curated assortment.”

For example, those at the UTC store will not get the parkas sold in Maine, but instead find jackets that are suitable for Florida winters. Products for winter will likely hit in September and October, Mitchell says.

The brand may continue to expand in the South, she adds.

"I'm hoping we fill in" from Virginia to Florida, Mitchell says. "We've got some wholesale things happening in those states," she adds, explaining the brand has a presence in stores like Nordstrom and Dillard's.

“This store will allow Floridians to experience these products in person, and we’re excited to create a space where guests can connect with the brand in a more tangible, hands-on way," Mitchell says in a statement.

About 40 employees have been hired since March to staff the store at 111 N. Cattlemen Road, where they greet customers at the door to introduce them to the brand or welcome back those already familiar.

L.L. Bean operates 63 stores in 19 states as well as 25 stores in Japan and 14 stores in Canada.

Grand opening events planned for the weekend at UTC include a May 9 ribbon cutting and $10,000 check presentation to the Sarasota YMCA. The first 100 customers in line on May 9 and May 10 will receive a $50 gift card, with the lineup starting at 6 a.m. Both days, there will also be a complimentary boot lace customization bar, family activities, giveaways, refreshments and photos with the L.L. Bean Bootmobile.