"Measured against corporate goals and expectations, we performed well in a very competitive industry and a very difficult retail economy. We are on a journey toward growing our top line and the improvement to our bottom line is a critical first step. Today, we thank and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our customers and the quality of our products and services."

-Steve Smith, president and chief executive officer of L.L.Bean, in a statement issued earlier this week in which the retailer noted it will pay a 5 percent performance bonus to about 5,400 employees plus an additional 2 percent enhancement contribution to 401(k) plans, as reported by Mainebiz.