Citing flat sales in 2017, Freeport retailer L.L. Bean Inc. said Friday it plans to eliminate about 100 positions this spring and will not be giving out performance bonuses to employees. In a memo to the staff, company President and CEO Steve Smith said 2017 was a difficult year for the retailer, with problems including a slight drop in sales and shipping problems related to a systems upgrade. “As you know, 2017 was a very challenging year for L.L.