MILLBURY, Mass. - Spectrum News 1 got an inside look at the new L.L. Bean opening in Millbury ahead of its Grand Opening on Friday.

The store is located at the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, occupying the site of a former Gap store.

The outdoor retailer enjoyed record sales in 2020 and the 15,000-square foot retail space expands the company's presence in Massachusetts. 

“Some of the best parts of what we do is brick and mortar, especially now with everybody being outside so often and getting outside post-pandemic,” Corey Bouyea, L.L. Bean’s director of stores and retail operations, said.. “For us it makes a lot of sense to put a store in place. It makes a lot of sense to be here in Millbury in the heart of the Blackstone Valley."

The Millbury store is the company's eighth location in the state. It will employ around 50 people.

L.L.Bean also donated $10,000 to the Town of Millbury trails committee for trail maintenance and development.