Retail Store Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

L.L.Bean • Freeport, ME

1d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

L.L.Bean’s Summer Internship Program offers an introduction to the company and the opportunity to contribute to business initiatives. The Retail Store Operations Intern supports operational programs across L.L.Bean’s 76 retail stores, with a focus on Store Development and New Store Openings. Working with the Store Operations team, the intern helps develop, document, and improve the processes, tools, and resources used to open and support stores, while providing project and administrative support. The internship lasts nine weeks, from June 1, 2027, through July 31, 2027.

This is an in-office role based at L.L.Bean’s headquarters in Freeport, Maine. The intern is expected to work onsite at least four days per week, for 32–36 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. The role combines office-based project work with hands-on execution, store walkthroughs, and onsite meetings. Travel to retail stores is expected, and the intern may directly support a New Store Opening depending on project timelines.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a four-year college or university degree program.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Reliable transportation for the internship, which requires working onsite at the Freeport, Maine headquarters at least four days per week.
• Must be able to find personal housing within commuting distance of Freeport, Maine; housing leads and referrals will be provided.
• Previous retail or customer service experience.
• Strong attention to detail and 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, including 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.
• Ability to work occasional early, late, or weekend shifts; spend extended periods on their feet; and lift or move items weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of how a retail store operates.
• Passion for the outdoors and L.L.Bean’s core activities.
• Interest in the outdoor apparel and gear industry.

Responsibilities

• Support New Store Opening planning and execution, including project schedules, travel logistics, administrative details, and store support.
• Document and improve New Store Opening processes to make future store openings more efficient, consistent, and standardized.
• Develop and maintain tools, checklists, learning materials, standard operating procedures, and other resources for Store Operations and store teams.
• Support project tracking, including timelines, key milestones, action items, documentation, and follow-up.
• Partner 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 and potentially provide direct support for a New Store Opening.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in a fast-paced, 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.
• Follow L.L.Bean’s health and safety guidelines, policies, procedures, and expectations, and take appropriate action to rectify unsafe conditions.

Benefits

• Eligible interns without access to housing within 50 miles of the Freeport headquarters may receive a housing stipend to help with summer travel or living costs; requests are reviewed case by case.
• Benefits and programs designed to support health, financial goals, and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern