FREEPORT (AP) – L.L. Bean is announcing plans to expand its retail presence outside of the Northeast.

The Freeport-based outdoor gear and apparel outfitter said Monday it plans to open a store in the Chicago area this September. It would be L.L. Bean’s first store in the Midwest.

The 30,000-square-foot store will be located at the Arboretum at South Barrington, a mall that is now under construction in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.

L.L. Bean officials say the expansion into the Chicago area is part of a larger retail expansion strategy. The company plans to grow to 32 stores by 2012.

AP-ES-02-25-08 1410EST