Almost two years ago, L.L. Bean began to move investments from infrastructure and staffing to prospecting and advertising. The results are just now coming in

By Reported Donna Loyle

“The hardest thing a CEO has to do — ever — is eliminate jobs,” McCormick told the Portland Press Herald for a May 25, 2003, article on the company. “But when you come out of that tunnel and see the light and can be in a position to plan efficiently, it’s great.”

That said, however, the training season is far from over for this Freeport, ME-based merchant of apparel, footwear, home accessories, and outdoor and travel merchandise. But the company does appear leaner, more focused and better positioned to go the distance in today’s highly competitive marketplace.