L.L. Bean Brings Its Bootmobile to Binghamton for a Pop-Up Shop

Some Binghamton area residents were surprised to see a 13-foot-tall boot on wheels driving on downtown streets.

L.L. Bean's "Bootmobile" showed up on Court Street as the Maine-based retailer of outdoor goods set up a pop-up shop in the city for the first time.

The 20-foot-long Bootmobile made its debut in 2012 as the company celebrated its 100th anniversary. Someone figured making a giant replica of the iconic Bean Boot would be a good way to get attention.

The vehicle does indeed attract attention whether its parked at a promotional event or whether its on the highway heading to its next destination.

The Bootmobile was parked in front of the MetroCenter in downtown Binghamton over the weekend as shoppers stopped by to check out some of the cold-weather gear featured at the pop-up store.

Saturday was relatively pleasant and rain-free but the L.L. Bean team set up canopies to cover jackets and other merchandise as the weather turned wet and blustery on Sunday.

Some L.L. Bean fans posed for photos next to the Bootmobile, which is built on the frame of a Ford F-250.

Jason Sulham, L.L. Bean manager of public affairs, told WNBF News by email: "Binghamton has been on our list of places to visit for a couple of years now and it fit perfectly into this year’s fall tour."

In his note, Sulham said the tour for next year hasn't been set "but we had a great visit and hope to be back someday."

The Bootmobile made a stop at Ithaca College last week before its Binghamton visit. It's making three stops around Pennsylvania this week.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.