Business & Finance
L.L.Bean maintains physical stores and print catalogs while avoiding artificial intelligence
NBC News reports that the outdoor retailer is sticking to traditional operations and avoiding AI over environmental concerns.
The short version
- CEO Greg Elder confirmed L.L.Bean will maintain its Freeport, Maine headquarters, its roughly 60 brick-and-mortar stores, and its physical catalog.[NBC News]
- The retailer avoids artificial intelligence in catalog production, opting for traditional photography with real models and products.[NBC News]
- Elder cited the substantial energy and water requirements of AI technology as a major deterrent to its wider adoption.[NBC News]
Key facts
- L.L.Bean CEO Greg Elder stated that the retailer has no plans to leave its Freeport, Maine headquarters.[NBC News]
- The company operates around 60 physical retail locations across 22 states.[NBC News]
- The flagship store in Freeport recently completed a four-year renovation costing $50 million.[NBC News]
- Print catalog mailing volumes decline by an estimated 10% to 14% annually, but the retailer continues production without AI.[NBC News]
- CEO Greg Elder cited the substantial energy and water consumption of AI as a deterrent to its adoption.[NBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact long-term viability of the print catalog remains unclear as annual distribution volumes continue to decrease.[NBC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.