Retail Store Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome—both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.

At L.L.Bean, we’re not just about selling gear; we’re about inspiring and enabling people to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain of data, paddling through event planning, or navigating the trails of hiring top talent, you’ll find your place here as a summer intern. Lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure like no other with L.L.Bean’s Summer Internship Program.

Job Description Summary:

A summer internship at L.L.Bean is an introduction to our company that provides an opportunity for the right individual to contribute to moving the business forward and to gain exposure to key areas of the organization. Interns supporting the Retail Store Operations team will take on a variety of projects across our growing network of 76 retail stores, including our Flagship Store in Freeport, Maine, and collaborate cross-functionally on business opportunities that directly benefit L.L.Bean.

This internship is 9 weeks in duration, beginning June 1, 2027 and ending July 31, 2027.

This is an in-office role based at our Freeport, Maine headquarters, with an expectation of being onsite at least 4 days per week.  This is a 32-36 hour/week role, Mon-Thurs.

Job Description

Retail Store Operations Internship – Home Office Role, Freeport Maine HQ

The Store Operations Intern’s primary responsibility is to support operational programs across our retail stores, with a focus on Store Development and New Store Openings (NSOs). In partnership with the Store Operations team, they will help develop, document, and improve processes, tools, and resources used to open and support stores. They will also provide project and administrative support, including scheduling, travel coordination, store communications, and project documentation.

Responsibilities:

• Support New Store Opening planning and execution, including project schedules, travel logistics, administrative details, and store support.
• Help document and improve NSO processes to create a more efficient, consistent, and standardized approach to future store openings.
• Develop and maintain tools, checklists, learning materials, SOPs, and other resources used by Store Operations and store teams.
• Support project tracking, including timelines, key milestones, action items, documentation, and follow-up.
• Partner cross-functionally with Store Design, Visual, Technology, Facilities, and other teams supporting store development and openings.
• Support current Store Operations programs, process improvements, store communications, and daily store needs.
• Provide Retail Home Office administrative support, including calendar and file management, meeting preparation, scheduling, and communications.
• Balance office-based project work with hands-on execution, store walkthroughs, and onsite meetings.
• Travel to retail stores is expected, with the potential to directly support a New Store Opening depending on project timelines.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in a fast-paced and dynamic retail environment.
• Model L.L.Bean’s core values, brand, culture, and mission.
• Deliver legendary, world-class customer service and support a strong service and selling culture.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in a 4-year college or university degree program  with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Must have reliable transportation for the duration of the internship, as this is not a remote role and requires one to be in our Freeport Maine HQ at least 4 days/week
• Must be able to find personal housing accommodations within a commutable distance to Freeport, ME (housing leads and referrals will be provided)
• Previous retail or customer service experience required, ideally with an understanding of how a retail store operates.
• Passion for the outdoors and L.L.Bean’s core activities, ideally with an interest in the outdoor apparel and gear industry.
• Strong attention to detail with an interest in project coordination, process improvement, and documentation.
• Ability to organize information and develop clear, user-friendly tools and resources.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and administrative details.
• Ability to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively to achieve goals.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to retail stores and potentially support New Store Opening events, which may include occasional early, late or weekend shifts, extended periods on your feet, and lifting or moving items weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Housing Stipend Eligibility: Interns who do not have access to housing within 50 miles of the Freeport Headquarters may be eligible to receive a housing stipend to help relieve travel or living costs for the summer. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to confirm eligibility and individual circumstances.
• Health and Safety Requirement: Ensures compliance with the L.L.Bean Comprehensive Health and Safety program by knowing and following all safety guidelines, policies, procedures and expectations.  Take immediate and appropriate action to rectify any unsafe conditions.
• L.L.Bean is for everyone. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome - here and in the outdoors.
• L.L.Bean uses a market-based compensation approach. The anticipated starting base pay for this position is $20-$22 /hour. Individual compensation may vary based on factors such as a candidate’s experience, qualifications, education, geographic location, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
• If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.
• If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you'd be great at this role, we'd love to learn more about you!   At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us.  We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote belonging.