Posted: 8/19/2004 2:12:26 PM EDT
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Wife was browsing the LL Bean website the other day and left the browser open for me to look at some things. Liked what I saw, so I figured I'd request a couple of their catalogs. Got them today and I can't belive the prices they charge. Damned if those yuppies aren't paying out the ass for some of that stuff. The cover on our futon is by LL Bean and it is pretty darn nice. That said, it isn't worth what they're charging. I guess there is one born every day... |
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My wife still has some shirts, a jacket and a day pack from 15 years ago that she still uses. Some of the newer stuff seems like it might not be as durable, and they are also carrying some other lines like Columbia that I don't think so highly of. Most of my coats and jackets are from there and they are holding up well. Take a look at some of the comparable quality stuff like jackets from North Face and compare the prices. |
| I've always liked their boots with the rubber soles and leather tops, I have hunted in those for many years. I've bought clothes for myself and my girlfriend and backpacks from them and always been pleased with the quality. If you put their catalog and Cabelas side by side (like I was doing at lunch yesterday) a lot of stuff is pretty similarly priced (at least hunting stuff, I am not sure that is true of casual clothes). Their higher end of casual slacks stand up to repeated washings better than anything else I have had (although the "Combat Cloth" BDU pants from Brigade Quartermaster seem durable also) |
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It's the guarentee. If you are EVER not happy, return it for a refund. Name one other merchant that does that? I will alwasy pay more for quality and a company that will stand behind it. Take your 10 year old jacket from WallMart back after the sleve riped off and ask for a full refund and see what happens. WIth LL you get your money, or a new jakcet. Your choice. Hard to beat that. |
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I had a pair of ten year old LL Bean boots that needed a new sole...after they were re-soled, they lasted another two years or so and the stitched seams started tearing. I called LL Bean's service department, and asked if they could be re-stitched. They told me to send the boots up to Freeport, Maine. Well, they called me back and told me that they were replacing the boots -AFTER THIRTEEN YEARS! |
Same thing here. IIRC they even sent a check to reimburse me for my shipping cost. That guarnatee rocks! My second pair has also started to fall apart - but I've just been mending them myself, becausee I feel bad about sending things back. I knew a guy (an economist I think), who literally bought all of his clothes from L.L. Bean, and whenever he wore something out, he woudl jsut send it back for a new replacament. He never planned on buying clothes again in his life 
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That certainly sounds like an economist. My wife has some LL Bean shirts from when she was in High School. They still look new. My Bean travel dress pants are the only pants I will take on business trips. Their stuff is first rate and you really will get your money's worth. |