FREEPORT(NEWS CENTER) — Hundreds of people showed up Saturday for the grand opening of the new LL Bean Home Store in Freeport.

Melissa Zuk said she got to the store at 9 p.m. and was first in line for the opening. The incentive? The store was giving away gift cards to the first 500 customers. They ranged in value from $10 to $500.

“I had a good time,” said Zuk about spending the night in Freeport. “Everyone here has been really good. We’ve had a good time.”

Zuk got a $10 gift card.

It took LL Bean about a year and a half to get the 15,000 square foot building ready.

“In addition to the product that we’ve historically carried, we filled this store with unique one-of-a-kind vintage items,” said Greg Elder, VP of stores. “Finds and rarities that are really going to enable the customer experience and the product assortment to get to a whole new level.”

The company also used the occasion to make donations to Habitat for Humanity and Florence House, a facility that Preble Street Resource Center is building in Portland for homeless women. Customers were able to take part by bidding in a silent auction, or purchasing certain items.

NEWS CENTER