FREEPORT (AP) – L.L. Bean is offering free holiday shipping after strong sales during the spring and summer months, the outdoor sports retailer announced Thursday.

L.L. Bean said sales were up 8 percent during the company’s “spring season” from March through August.

As a result, the company is giving cash bonuses to employees and offering free shipping to customers between Friday and Dec. 21, said Chris McCormick, company president and CEO.

L.L. Bean said employees hired before Feb. 26 would receive bonuses of $165, and those hired after that date will receive a prorated amount. Bonuses will total about $1 million.

L.L. Bean is a privately held company with annual revenues of about $1.5 billion.