US-based developer and retailer of outdoor gear and apparel L.L.Bean, Inc., has announced the opening of two new retail stores in Japan, along with plans to explore expansion into other international markets.

The first of the two new stores in Japan will open in Tokyo on November 18, with the second, in Osaka, set to open on December 4.

L.L.Bean plans to open at least four Japanese stores per year, with sites for spring 2007 already under way: one in Niigata, on the western coast of Japan, and one in Sapporo. Both locations are particularly fitting for L.L.Bean, as Niigata boasts one of the highest annual snowfalls in the world.

The company has also expressed its intent to explore new international markets and recently named former general manager in charge of its Japan expansion, Zane Shatzer, as general manager of International New Market Development. Mr Shatzer–who has been with the company for 17 years–said, "We are actively searching out locations for retail development in Latin America and Asia. We are also looking to boost our presence in Canada…”