There are now a total of 21 stores in Japan. L.L.Bean gained a distribution network and bypassed the trade practices of the Japanese government. The presence on the internet in Japan is solidified through the partnership agreement. However, L.L.Bean should add a Japanese version to its website to take advantage of the Japanese community in other countries. International payment should not be a problem in Japan.
Japan is more advanced than the U.S. in terms of electronic payment.
Evidenced in the forms of smart cards and Electronic Cash Cards. Payment system through partnership already established. L.L.Bean- Summary of Operations in Japan Japan was found to be the country that would best suit L.L.Bean for international expansion. Obviously, L.L.Bean thought as much and initiated a partnership in 1992 with with the Seiyu, Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Company. . Now there are 21 stores.