L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Monogramming - Warehouse Machines vs. Flagship Store Machines

Photos by Salt Water New England

I had published on SWNE a "Complete Guide" to L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags  <link>.  Here is one point that I should add. 

I have been ordering L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags for as long as I can remember, and I most always have them monogrammed – which is done at their warehouse – and then shipped out to me.  What I recently learned from an employee there is that the flagship store in Freeport has monogramming machines that are superior to the ones at their warehouse.  

I tested this for myself.

I gathered up all of my new totes that had not been monogrammed (mostly because when I ordered them they were shipped directly from other Bean stores and thus could not be monogrammed).  

I had them done in two batches, some last month (which I left at the store and had them ship to me when finished) and, based on the success of that, more today.

Unmonogrammed Boat and Totes from past seasons. (Too heavy for me to carry.)

The customers ahead of me. 

In-Store Monogramming

The difference is noticeable. (I was gong to write the "difference is non-trivial," but given the subject, thought better.)

On the left in the photo above, the Large Blue tote has the Insignia style (in their Dark Pink thread) done in their warehouse.   On the right, the Large Lawn Green tote had the same style and color but was done at their Freeport store.  

I very much prefer the store monograms, which are bigger and bolder, and will use that option for myself and gifts when possible.

Store Monogram on the Large

Warehouse Monogram on the Large, Smaller Overall and a Much Thinner Circle

And the Store Monogram on the Medium size.  A More Consistent Circle Width.

The Three Medium Totes in the Front Were All Done in the Freeport Store

A final note.  I never trust L.L. Bean's thread color recommendations, especially on the seasonal bag colors.  This is even more true for when they suggest any of their greens.  Lime is okay, but a bit muddy.  Isle Green is much too minty.  And Nile Green is a bit light.  They need to add a good Kelly Green.  Play around on their site aligning the tote colors with the monogram thread colors, and trust your instincts.