Hundreds of people waited in line on Friday morning to be one of the first to walk through the doors at the new L.L. Bean store in Mall of America. Many of them were hoping to win a $500 shopping spree. L.L.Bean gave away gift cards ranging from $10 to $500 to the first 200 people in line.

"It was very exciting this morning, " said Barbara McCauley, an L.L. Bean sales representative. " I think by the time the store opened this morning, there were 700 people in line."

L.L. Bean was courted by Mall of America for six years. The Maine-based outdoor retailer known for its Bean boot, everyday free shipping and unconditional guarantee opened Friday and deliberately overstocked the MOA store with its iconic boot. The only way to get the popular shoes is to visit the store. Customers can't ask to have them shipped.

"They've always been popular with outdoors customers, but now they're popular on college campuses and as a fashion item," said senior marketing manager Max McKeever.

Besides L.L. Bean, Total Wine also made its debut in Bloomington on Friday.

Star Tribune reporter John Ewoldt contributed to this report.