FREEPORT – L.L. Bean is getting back to its hunting and fishing roots by placing those departments in a freestanding store that was originally dedicated to its children’s line of clothing.

Early next year, the hunting and fishing departments will move from the flagship store to a building next door that currently houses L.L. Kids.

The new hunting and fishing store, with 10,000 feet of retail space, will become a 24-hour store, just like L.L. Bean’s main store.

“It’s important for hunting and fishing to be open 24 hours. We have sportsmen coming through at all hours going to their hunting camps. They need to get their licenses and their ammo,” said David Teufel, an L.L. Bean spokesman.

The move was billed as an attempt to put the spotlight back on hunting and fishing during the 90th anniversary of the company that was started by Leon Leonwood Bean with the “Maine Hunting Shoe” in 1912.

Back then, L.L. never officially closed his store. Hunting supplies were available day or night, even if it meant getting him out of bed.

The changes mean an additional 2,000 feet of retail space will be devoted to hunting and fishing gear, allowing the company to showcase a greater variety of gear, demonstrations and other services, officials said.

A big reason for the change, however, was a desire for customers wanting to shop for the entire family under one roof. Currently, shoppers have to cross a busy parking lot to go between the main store and the L.L. Kids’ store.

The transition will begin early in January and renovations to the new store will be completed by the end of February.

“We think the changeover will provide better service to both our hunting and fishing customers and our kids customers,” said Brad Kauffman, senior vice president and general manager of retail.

The L.L. Bean store and Acadia National Park are the two most frequently visited tourist attractions in Maine. About 3 million shoppers are expected to visit the L.L. Bean stores in Freeport this year, officials say.