L.L. Bean gives out employee bonuses

FREEPORT – Employees at L.L. Bean are set to receive bonuses following a strong spring and summer season for the outdoor goods and clothing company.

L.L. Bean’s sales were up 13 percent for the six-month period that ended Aug. 31, according to spokesman Rich Donaldson. Donaldson said sales were strong in the company’s retail stores, through its catalogs and on its Web site.

While retail sales in general have been slow nationwide as the economy continues a sluggish recovery, sales at L.L. Bean stores were up about 16 percent for the season, Donaldson said.

“Bean is on a roll right now and this is a spring that can be described as a success, all across the board, all channels, all markets,” Donaldson said.

As a reward, the company is handing out $930,000 in employee bonuses.

Bean employees who were hired before Feb. 29 will get $165, while those hired after that date will get lesser amounts.

Bean saw sales rise about 10 percent last year, the first substantial increase in 10 years. The company rewarded employees with $36 million in bonuses, which was the largest bonus payout since 1994.