Retail Store Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

L.L.Bean • Freeport, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Retail Store Operations Intern supports operational programs across L.L.Bean’s network of 76 retail stores, with a focus on Store Development and New Store Openings (NSOs). Working with the Store Operations team, the intern helps develop, document, and improve the processes, tools, and resources used to open and support stores. The role also provides project and administrative support, including scheduling, travel coordination, store communications, and project documentation, while balancing office-based project work with hands-on execution, store walkthroughs, and onsite meetings.

This is a nine-week summer internship from June 1, 2027, through July 31, 2027. It is based at L.L.Bean’s Freeport, Maine headquarters and requires onsite attendance at least four days per week. The position is 32–36 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. Travel to retail stores is expected, with the possibility of directly supporting a New Store Opening depending on project timelines.

The intern is expected to model L.L.Bean’s values, brand, culture, and mission; support a strong service and selling culture; and deliver world-class customer service. The role also requires compliance with L.L.Bean’s health and safety program, including following safety guidance and taking appropriate action to address unsafe conditions.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a four-year college or university degree program.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Reliable transportation for the internship and ability to work onsite at the Freeport, Maine headquarters at least four days per week; this is not a remote role.
• Ability to secure personal housing within commuting distance of Freeport, Maine.
• Previous retail or customer service experience; ideally, an understanding of retail store operations.
• 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 and spend extended periods on one’s feet; ability to lift or move items weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Comply with L.L.Bean’s Comprehensive Health and Safety program and follow safety guidelines, policies, procedures, and expectations.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Support New Store Opening planning and execution, including project schedules, travel logistics, administrative details, and store support.
• Help document and improve New Store Opening processes to make future 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, 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 support a New Store Opening, depending on project timelines.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Model L.L.Bean’s core values, brand, culture, and mission; deliver world-class customer service and support a strong service and selling culture.
• Follow L.L.Bean health and safety guidelines, policies, procedures, and expectations, and take appropriate action to rectify unsafe conditions.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Potential housing stipend for interns without access to housing within 50 miles of the Freeport headquarters, subject to case-by-case eligibility review.
• Benefits package with programs and perks designed to support health and financial goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern